Third zero year in KSOU cause for concern

Mysuru: The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), which imparted education to lakhs of students through distant education mode, has had three zero years (2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18). This was because the University Grants Commission (UGC) withdrew recognition through a public notice in June 2015 which stopped new admissions to the University. Since then KSOU has been making efforts to get back the recognition. However, as a result the lives of many of these students have been at stake as neither the exams have taken place nor marks cards issued. Meanwhile, as there was a marks cards scandal with crores of rupees involved in the racket,  printing equipment used to print marks cards and certificates were seized by the Police. Asked about the status of the marks cards and certificates issued, KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. Shivalingaiah, speaking to Star of Mysore over phone yesterday said, “The marks cards for the year 2013-14 have already been issued. Even the first year marks cards for the year 2014-15 have also been issued. But what is pending is the second and third year marks card for that calendar year. However, we have filed an affidavit to get back the printing equipment which were seized by the Police last year.” On whether the Governor’s office had raised objections for printing marks cards as reported in a section of the press,  Prof. Shivalingaiah said that he was not aware of this issue and even the Governor’s office raising objections to print marks cards had not come to his notice. He, however, hoped that at least from this year, the KSOU will get back the recognition from the UGC and it will be able to open its door once again to students who want to pursue degree and other courses through distance education mode.