NewsFlash Daily™
30 May 
Serious allegations emerge over illegal staff recruitment and PhD admission irregularities at Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University
Vijayapura: Karnataka’s only women’s university has landed in major controversy after serious allegations of corruption, irregular appointments, and malpractice in PhD admissions and degree evaluation surfaced against Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University in Vijayapura.
The institution is facing accusations of violating recruitment norms in appointing non-teaching staff and manipulating PhD admission and evaluation processes. Allegations of harassment, bribery demands, and procedural violations have triggered widespread concern and calls for government intervention.
The controversy has now become a major topic of discussion in academic and political circles across Karnataka.
Illegal Non-Teaching Staff Recruitment Alleged at Women’s University
According to allegations raised by former and current syndicate members, more than 20 non-teaching staff members and data entry operators are reportedly being recruited on an outsourced basis without following mandatory government procedures.
Sources claim that the university administration allegedly proceeded with the recruitment process without obtaining approval from the Karnataka government or the university’s finance committee.
It is also alleged that no official recruitment notification was issued and reservation norms, including roster regulations, were not properly followed during the appointments.
Critics have warned that recruitment in state universities must strictly comply with government approval procedures and reservation policies. They have also stated that the matter could be escalated to higher authorities if irregularities continue.
PhD Admission and Degree Evaluation Process Under Scanner
Apart from recruitment allegations, the university is also facing serious accusations regarding its PhD admission and degree award procedures.
As per existing academic regulations, PhD admissions are expected to be conducted through written examinations and viva voce processes while ensuring compliance with reservation guidelines and transparency standards.
However, allegations suggest that more than 100 students were admitted this year under questionable circumstances.
Sources claim that the executive committee responsible for oversight was allegedly sidelined during the admission process, while certain candidates were reportedly given undue advantage.
The allegations have raised concerns over academic transparency and credibility within the institution.
Students Allege Harassment and Bribery Demands
Research scholars have also reportedly accused individuals linked to the evaluation process of demanding money and even gold in exchange for clearing thesis submissions and evaluation procedures.
According to the allegations, viva voce examinations and thesis evaluations were allegedly not conducted properly through independent external expert committees as required under university norms.
Students further alleged that delays were intentionally created in issuing permission letters required for thesis submission, adding to their difficulties.
These allegations, if proven, could expose serious lapses in academic governance and ethical standards within the university system.
Vice Chancellor Responds to Corruption Allegations
Responding to the controversy, Vice Chancellor Prof. Vijaya Korishettar stated that the university syndicate had approved the appointment of data entry operators on an outsourced basis to support the digitisation of the university’s evaluation process.
She further clarified that recruitment procedures would strictly follow regulations and that the university would not tolerate any form of malpractice or corruption.
The Vice Chancellor also urged students facing any issues related to PhD studies, admissions, or evaluation to report complaints directly to her office for appropriate action.
She stated that no unofficial demands were authorised and assured that any proven irregularities would be addressed seriously.
Government Intervention Demanded in University Controversy
The allegations surrounding staff recruitment and PhD evaluation at Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University have intensified demands for immediate government scrutiny.
Several stakeholders have urged the Higher Education Department and Karnataka Governor, who also serves as Chancellor of state universities, to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter.
Academic observers believe a transparent investigation is necessary to verify the truth behind the allegations and restore confidence in the functioning of Karnataka’s only women’s university.
