Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot appoints a one-man fact-finding panel led by retired Justice Krishnabhatt to examine the alleged dereliction of duty by VC Prof. M. Venkateswaralu and Registrar
Tumakuru: The controversy surrounding alleged irregular staff promotions at Tumkur University has escalated, with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot ordering a formal investigation into the role of Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Venkateswaralu and Registrar Nahida Zamzam.
Acting in his capacity as Chancellor of state universities, the Governor has directed the appointment of a one-man fact-finding committee headed by retired High Court judge Justice Krishnabhatt to probe allegations of dereliction of duty and failure to comply with government instructions regarding the cancellation of promotion orders issued in 2021.
Governor Flags Non-Compliance With Government Order
According to the order, the state government had earlier instructed that the promotion orders issued in 2021 be formally cancelled in writing. However, the university administration allegedly failed to implement the directive and instead prolonged correspondence without executing the cancellation.
The inquiry will examine the conduct of Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Venkateswaralu and Registrar Nahida Zamzam in allegedly delaying compliance with the government’s direction.
“Tumkur University has failed to implement the state government’s cancellation order. The Vice Chancellor, serving during this period, has neglected his duties,” the Governor reportedly observed in his directive.
The Governor’s remarks have intensified scrutiny over the functioning of the university administration and raised serious questions about transparency in academic appointments.
Department Recommendation Ignored?
Sources indicate that the Department of Collegiate Education had reviewed the promotions and recommended immediate revocation of the allegedly irregular orders. Despite this, action was not taken by the Registrar’s office.
In a surprising development, it is alleged that further communication from within the administrative framework sought reconsideration of the matter on humanitarian grounds, stating that the promoted staff members had families and requesting leniency.
The development has triggered criticism from academic circles, with observers questioning whether procedural compliance was sidelined in favor of discretionary considerations.
Fresh Promotion Drive Sparks New Allegations
Meanwhile, fresh concerns have emerged within the university campus regarding the alleged hurried conduct of assistant professor promotions through interviews held on February 12 and 13.
This comes even as the High Court has ordered a judicial probe into earlier promotion lapses. Allegations are now surfacing that the administration may be pushing through additional promotions despite the ongoing controversy.
Critics within the academic community have alleged that internal funds of the university have been utilised without adequate oversight and that financial management practices require closer examination.
University Issues Clarification, Defends Promotions and Fund Utilisation as Rule-Compliant
On the Other hand, Tumkur University has issued a clarification defending its actions. In a statement released through the Public Relations Officer, the university maintained that the process of promoting professors is being conducted strictly on merit and in accordance with established rules, and that there has been no haste in conducting interviews. It further stated that the promotion of eight non-teaching staff in 2021 was carried out under Section 23A of the Tumkur University Staff and Recruitment Rules, 2020, which permits promotions in special circumstances.
The university pointed out that although the government issued a gazette notification in 2022 directing cancellation of the promotions, the affected staff approached the Karnataka High Court, which in 2023 quashed the government’s order and directed the staff to submit a petition to the government. The university clarified that it has forwarded the petition in compliance with the court’s directions. It also refuted allegations regarding misuse of internal funds, stating that the ‘Gyansiri’ campus was developed using government grants and internal resources strictly in accordance with rules and regulations, and in the educational interest of students.
Speculation Continues Amid Competing Claims
However, with a judicial inquiry now set in motion and competing narratives emerging from the Governor’s office and the university administration, speculation continues to surround the promotion controversy, and key questions remain unanswered until the fact-finding committee submits its report.
