A dispute between the Telangana University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ravindra Gupta, and the Executive Council-appointed Registrar, Prof Yadgiri, has reached the Governor of Telangana, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan. A delegation led by Prof Vidayasagar and BJP leaders from Nizamabad met with the Governor and submitted a list of alleged irregularities committed by the VC. The representation stated that the VC had appointed daily wage workers without following norms and promised to regularize their services, which led to a protest at the university. The VC also allegedly conducted an international seminar in a private hotel, spending large amounts of money, but none of the university’s students attended. The delegation also reported financial irregularities in the purchase of laptops and computers. The State government had previously cancelled the VC’s appointment of teaching staff without necessary approval, and the delegation alleges that the VC has continued to disregard norms by not holding Executive Council meetings for the past 18 months.
The delegation explained that Section 15(1) of the University Act allows the VC to appoint a registrar as an interim measure until the EC meeting is convened and approved by it within three months of such appointments. The VC, however, has appointed three registrars in the last two years, extending their office at the end of every three months. The issues faced by the university include the construction of a new girls’ hostel, an auditorium, renovation of the sports department ground, starting new courses, indoor gyms in university hostels, placements for outgoing students, and a shortage of qualified faculty and staff.
The State Education Secretary Vakati Karuna confirmed that appropriate action will be taken as the issue is in the State government’s notice.
