In a concerning report, R N Sathyanarayana, a senior citizen from Vijayanagara, Mysuru, has lodged a complaint regarding human rights violations at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). Sathyanarayana highlighted an unusual policy requiring visitors to surrender their mobile phones before entering the chambers of the Vice-Chancellor and registrars.
Sathyanarayana reported the issue to the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, and the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru. He criticized the lack of transparency, noting that students, job aspirants, and the general public must relinquish their phones, with printed instructions displayed at the chamber entrances. During his visit on July 18, 2024, he was barred from entering after refusing to part with his phone, leading to a confrontation with security staff.
The complaint alleges that this rule, purportedly without any official circular, aims to prevent recording of potentially incriminating interactions. Other visitors claimed corruption in staff recruitment and admissions at KSOU, suggesting the phone ban is to avoid exposure of such practices.
Sathyanarayana called the policy draconian and a violation of human rights, urging the government to take action against those enforcing it.