The University of Mysore has relieved Prof. B. Shivaraj from the Chairmanship of Bahadur Institute of Management Sciences (BIMS) with immediate effect yesterday following the decision taken at the University of Mysore Syndicate meeting held recently.

The Syndicate decided to replace Prof. B. Shivaraj with Ayesha M. Shariff besides deciding to hold a departmental enquiry against him and another Professor D. Anand on the charges: ‘highly unethical and unbecoming of an employee.’

The decision to relieve Prof. Shivaraj was taken after the University of Mysore received a letter from the Principal Secretary, Education Department (Universities), Government of Karnataka, dated June 15, 2013, which suggested to institute disciplinary proceedings against Prof. B. Shivaraj for having executed an MoU with University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran without following the statutes governing the recognition of foreign universities approved by the Chancellor.

Prof. Shivaraj and Prof. D. Anand have been also been charged for “collecting Rs. 150 from each MBA student studying in all affiliated colleges of the University and the Outreach Centers recognised by the University in connection with awarding marks for internal assessment by showing cause that you are arranging to distribute course-wares developed by industrial experts.”

Further, the charge states that the duo opened an account in the month of November 1998 at the SBM, KSOU Branch, in the name of ‘Management Association’ to collect online payments from the students. The Syndicate, in its order, has stated that the entire dealing is without any permission from the University and totally unauthorised and thus the accused were involved in illegal gains. The order also stated that it was highly unethical and unbecoming of an employee of the University and hence punishable under Statute 9 of the Mysore University Employees (CCA) Statutes, 1983.

Confirming the news about Prof. Shivaraj being relieved as BIMS Chairman, University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa said that the decision to initiate action against Prof. Shivaraj and Prof. Anand was taken by the University Syndicate following an order from the Principal Secretary, Education Department and also on charges of collecting fees illegally from the students of affiliated colleges and outreach centers.

He also said that both Prof. Shivaraj and Prof. Anand have been served with show-cause notices asking them for an explanation within 10 days from the date of order. The University Syndicate has also warned to initiate further action if the explanation is not submitted within the deadline assuming that the duo have no explanation to offer.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore