Bengaluru: Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayareddi on Thursday denied of his involvement in the alleged marks card scam by allowing the Mysore Sales International Limited to flout rules and unduly favouring a Mumbai vendor for purchase and printing of marks cards and degree certificates.
“I am not here to make money but to serve people. I am fair and sincere. I cannot do injustice to the students in the state,’’ Minister Rayareddi told media persons here.
The minister said AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal did not sought any explanation from him on this issue.
“So far, Venugopal did not ask me about this. Today I am visiting the KPCC office to attend a meeting of Congress leaders from Koppal district. I will, on my own, explain to Venugopal on this issue. I will write a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwara on this issue,’’ the minister said.
It was believed that Venugopal, on Wednesday, sought an explanation from the minister over a marks card ‘scam’ that he has been accused of abetting.
The party-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI), in a petition to Venugopal, has accused minister (Rayareddi) of allowing the Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) to flout rules and unduly favouring a Mumbai vendor for purchase and printing of marks cards and degree certificates.
“It is true that a suggestion was made during the Higher Education Council meeting attended by Vice-Chancellors of all universities on August 20, 2016 on allocating the work to the MSIL. I have also advised the Universities to consider the suggestion. The MSIL has supplied marks cards and certificate at cheaper price,’’ the minister said.
He said no scam took place as far as the contract for supplying marks cards and certificates was concerned.
“As compared to previous year purchases, MSIL has saved about Rs 2,25,02,400 to the Universities. Fixing the price or selecting the printer or supplier is the prerogative of the respective Vice-Chancellors and Syndicate members. Higher Education Ministry has no role play in this matter,’’ he said.
When asked why NSUI president has made allegations against him, the minister said NSUI president Manjunatha H.S. met him once in his chamber and the purpose was different one.
“Manjunatha wanted me to take measures to facilitate passing hundreds of failed students of Visvesvaraya Technological University. I told him that I could not do such things since it amounts violation of rules. I don’t think that Manjunatha has made allegations against me just because of my refusal to help such students. I suspect the involvement of disgruntled vendors who failed to get the contract for supplying the marks cards and the certificates,’’ he said.
