Mysuru: University of Mysore (UoM) Syndicate’s former member Dr. T.R. Chandrashekar, who has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the University, has objected to Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath sharing the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Planetarium in Mysuru on Nov. 13.

The planetarium is located on the University’s extended campus at the foot of Chamundi Hill.

In separate letters to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Karnataka Governor, who is also the Chancellor of State-run universities, and the State Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandrashekar said the Vice-Chancellor should not be allowed to share the stage with the Prime Minister as several complaints concerning alleged administrative, financial and functional irregularities in the University were pending against him.

“There are serious allegations of irregularities in the University’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with University 18 Trust for conducting online education courses. The MoU was signed without prior approval from the University Syndicate or the Government,” he wrote.

“Besides, several complaints regarding financial, administrative and functional mismanagement have been filed with the Karnataka Lokayukta. Other complaints have also been submitted to the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Higher Education Minister, the Chief Secretary and officials of the Higher Education Department,” he said.

Dr. Chandrashekar contended that, in view of the complaints pending against the Vice-Chancellor, allowing him to share the dais with the Prime Minister at the planetarium’s inauguration would be inappropriate.

He urged the authorities concerned to review the protocol and keep Prof. Lokanath out of the stage arrangements. He also said that, in the public interest, the Vice-Chancellor should be excluded from the protocol and not be allowed to share the dais with the Prime Minister.