Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Dec 4: Addressing a press conference here, vice chancellor of Mangalore University (MU), Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, said on Friday December 3, that tabulation work of all the examinations conducted by the university between October 2008 to November 2009 would be subjected to scrutiny.
He said that the meeting of the university syndicate, in its meeting on Friday, had decided to thoroughly scrutinize the tabulation relating to examinations conducted in October 2008, May 2009, and November 2009. The meeting felt it necessary to conclusively complete various steps the MU had undertaken relating to allegations of irregularity in tabulation, he explained.
“The investigation so far has found that the marks obtained by about 240 students had been tampered with. Later, further incidents in which the marks of students were altered have come to light. There is suspicion that such cases may touch the 400 mark,” he added.
He revealed that the marks cards of all the students, who have got additional marks because of tabulation irregularities, will be recalled. If the marks cards are not returned within 15 days, their names will be published in the website and newspapers, besides holding detailed inquiry of these individual students. “The future of these students will depend on the decision the inquiry commission will take. 27 lecturers have already been appointed for the work of scrutinizing the tabulation work. By January 15, this work is expected to be completed. The investigation so far has revealed tampering of individual marks in the range of one to 48. Immediately after the scrutiny report is received, the students concerned will be asked to return the marks cards,” he narrated.
The vice chancellor said that the tabulation work had been entrusted to the same team in all the above three examinations, and that the university has information about the involvement of some other persons in the irregularities. He expressed confidence that the inquiry will bring out the entire truth relating to these aspects.
Murthy explained that the university has the authority not only to recall the marks cards, but also degree certificates, including initiating other legal steps. He felt that it has become obligatory to take these steps, as otherwise the reputation of the university faces the risk of getting sullied.
MU registrar, Dr Chinnappa Gowda, registrar (evaluation), Dr P S Yadapadithaya, syndicate member, P V Mohan, and others were present at the press conference.