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| Edited By: |Source: DNA |Updated: Apr 06, 2010, 10:17 AM IST
The tussle between the vice-chancellor and the registrars of Bangalore University appears to have its roots in the latter overlooking the former’s refusal to approve the appointment of the head of the varsity’s health centre.
Sources in the varsity and the state higher education department told DNA that the vice-chancellor, Dr N Prabhu Dev, had rejected, three times, the appointment of Dr Vishwa Prasad to BU’s health centre.
The higher education minister, Aravind Limbavali, and Dr Prasad are co-brothers-in-law. The minister had been attempting to get his relative transferred to Bangalore for three years.
The principal secretary of the higher education department later directed Prof Krishnan to issue an order transferring Prasad, a medical doctor with Mysore University, to Bangalore University without the vice-chancellor’s approval. Efforts to reach Prabhu Dev and Limbavali were in vain.
“This is not an isolated case. Even Ashok Kulkarni from the state higher education council, who was on deputation at BU, was relieved by the registrar without the vice-chancellor’s consent. These issues began to simmer, creating misunderstanding,” sources said.
The details of what led to the spat between the vice-chancellor and the registrars are trickling out of the university after the chancellor of the university and state governor, Hans Raj Bhardwaj, ordered an enquiry against the two registrars, Prof MG Krishnan (University registrar) and MS Talwar (Registrar, Evaluation), two days ago.
Trouble started soon after the two registrars were appointed in December 2009. Prabhu Dev had allegedly not permitted the two to take charge of their offices. The issue blew up with agitated students hitting the streets. It reached the government for a resolution. Higher education minister Aravinda Limbavali made no bones about who was responsible for the turn of events and criticised Prabhu Dev’s conduct.
The vice-chancellor had to relent after the higher education department put its foot down and said that the new registrars must be allowed to assume office.
