NHRC notice to the Government of Karnataka over reported de-recognition of degrees given by the KSOU, Mysore: UGC also asked to inform the status [23.06.2016]

Press Release

New Delhi, 23rd June, 2016

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Secretary, Education, Government of Karnataka on the basis of a public grievance letter that the future of about 9 lakh students is at stake due to the reported decision of the University Grants Commission, UGC to de-recognize the courses offered by the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore outside its territorial jurisdiction after 2012-13. The Commission has also asked the UGC to inform about the status of the recognition of the courses offered by the KSOU. They have been given four weeks time to respond.

Allegedly, other than the media reports, there is no clarification from the university authorities on the issue till date. About 40 per cent candidates, who have cleared an exam, for the post of Assistant Professor, conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), are also uncertain about their future as to what will happen if now, the KEA, in line with the UGC guidelines, de-recognizes their degrees from KSOU, Mysore.

The Commission has observed that it is an unfortunate situation for the students who despite having degrees from a duly recognized University are, in a way, being subjected to cruelty due to want of clarity in the matter which has caused uncertainty about their future. It amounts to violation of their Right to Education and Equality as their future is at stake due to the proposed de-recognition of some KSOU courses by the UGC after 2012-13.

In the letter, it is also stated that most of the poor students who could not afford to pursue courses from the regular universities opted for the distance learning programme offered by the KSOU. They are in dilemma, as to what will happen if the if the courses of their studies are now de-recognized by the KEA.
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