KSOU employees protest alleged corruption and mismanagement

Mysuru: A protest at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has raised concerns about corruption within the institution. Some employees hung a garland made of currency notes on the university’s administrative building. This was a symbolic act to highlight their discontent with university management decisions. Pradeep Giri, secretary of the KSOU Permanent Non-Teaching Employees' Association, stated they have long wanted more transparency in administration. The university has faced financial issues, with a deficit budget for the past four to five years. Giri pointed out that the university’s revenue is only half of its expenses. Despite this, new staff continue to be hired, which has frustrated employees. The protestors also claimed that KSOU has violated admission rules set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). They fear this could lead to the university losing its recognition. Additionally, they alleged that revenue from the university guest house is being mismanaged. Tensions escalated during the protest, leading to a confrontation between the registrar and the demonstrators. Some protestors tied the currency note garland as a further statement against the alleged corruption. University officials responded to the protest, noting that the transfer of a staff member was done according to regulations. Registrar K B Praveena dismissed the allegations as false and suggested that the protest was driven by personal motives. Higher education minister MC Sudhakar has requested a report regarding the situation.