From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jul 4: Mysore University has been asked by the State Government to submit its inquiry report into the alleged sexual harassment of a research scholar by its Prof Shivabasavaiah by the end of this month.

A five-member committee of women faculty members of the University headed by Prof Yeshodara of University has submitted the report to the University. But the Syndicate of the university has not taken any action on the report.

The Syndicate of the University had, earlier, formed a two-member committee to probe the incident and the panel has already submitted its report to the University.

The family members of the research scholar met Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas, Home Minister R Ahsok and demanded action against Vice-Chancellor V G Talawar and the research guide Prof Shivabasavaiah with regard to the case of sexual harassment.

A case has been registered against the Vice-Chancellor on charge of abetment in case of a Ph.D. student, who attempted suicide alleging harassment from her guide.

Prof Shivabasavaiah has been suspended to ensure fair investigation into the case.

The Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya, who spoke to reporters in Bangalore on Monday, said the University has been asked to submit the probe report to the Government by end of this month to ensure justice to the victim.

It is stated that the University has not taken action against the guide as well as the vice-chancellor.

“The nature of incident itself is very mysterious,” Dr Acharya said and promised to take action against the faculty who sexually harassed the student.

It may be recalled that Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) too had conducted an inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment made by a research scholar from the University against her guide.

80,000 Engineering Seats in 2011-12

Dr Acharya said about 80,000 engineering seats would be made available for students during the academic year 2011-12.

He appealed to students to submit latest income certificates to CET Cell during the counseling day to avail admission in colleges free of cost.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has set aside 5 per cent of seats for students whose family annual income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh per year.

The Minister blamed the apex bodies such as Medical Council of India (MCI) and AICTE for the delay in the commencement of the counseling process.

The counseling process for engineering seats would commence from July 7, he added.