The state government’s assurance committee is set to visit Mangalore University (MU) soon to scrutinise multiple reports of alleged multi-crore scams at the varsity. The committee had arrived in Dakshina Kannada a few days ago but could not proceed with the inquiry as Vice-Chancellor PL Dharma was away in the United Kingdom on official work.
Focus on financial irregularities
According to university sources, the committee’s upcoming visit will include examination of several cases of alleged financial mismanagement, including the controversial solar and CCTV procurement deals that reportedly took place during the tenure of a former vice-chancellor. Government audit reports had earlier flagged suspected irregularities exceeding ₹100 crore.
In addition, allegations include excess staff recruitment, misuse of international hostel funds, mismanagement in the Belapu project, irregularities in RUSA grants, and the unauthorised establishment of unit colleges and courses. Officials confirmed that the committee will review these cases in detail.
Syndicate rift deepens
The current MU syndicate, after prolonged deliberations, had set up an internal committee to probe the alleged irregularities. However, syndicate members now allege that Vice-Chancellor PL Dharma has been prevented from initiating any probe since the assurance committee will take charge of the inquiry.
“This development has created differences within the syndicate and among MU officials,” a member said, adding that they were not officially informed about the assurance committee’s visit. “The probe committee was stopped from any enquiry into financial irregularities,” the member further noted.
Next steps
The government is expected to take up the committee’s findings once the scrutiny is completed. With allegations of large-scale irregularities and mismanagement clouding MU’s administration, the upcoming probe is being closely watched by students, staff, and education stakeholders in the region.