Shivamogga experts demand cancellation of Agriculture Department notification over Vice-Chancellor selection, citing conflict of interest and calling for transparent, independent appointment process reforms.
Shivamogga
Strong objections have been raised demanding the immediate cancellation of the Karnataka Agriculture Department’s notification dated May 14 related to the selection process of the Vice-Chancellor for Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences.
State Planning Board member and retired professor from University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Bengaluru, T.N. Prakash Kammaradi, addressed a press conference in Shivamogga and raised concerns over the composition of the search committee appointed for the Vice-Chancellor selection.
He alleged that appointing the sitting Vice-Chancellor of another agricultural university as the chairperson of the search committee creates a clear conflict of interest and raises questions about impartiality and transparency in the selection process. He further questioned the silence of the Governor, who holds constitutional authority in Vice-Chancellor appointments, and termed the development “concerning.”
Kammaradi demanded that the current search committee be dissolved immediately and replaced with an independent, nationally reputed educationist or scientist who has no institutional affiliations with the concerned universities or government bodies. He also insisted that members of the committee must be required to declare any conflict of interest in a legally binding public disclosure.
He further called for a comprehensive investigation by the Lokayukta into appointments, procurements, construction works and financial transactions carried out during the tenure of current and recent Vice-Chancellors in agricultural and allied universities. He suggested that irregularities, if any, should be met with strict legal action.
He also urged reforms in university governance, including mandatory disclosure of financial and asset details for senior appointments and greater transparency in administrative processes. According to him, ensuring accountability and merit-based selection is essential to safeguard the future of students and the agricultural education system.
The press conference was attended by several academic and social representatives, who echoed concerns over governance standards and demanded reforms to strengthen trust in higher education institutions.