Karnataka Governor directs action against KSHEC Vice-Chairman over alleged financial irregularities

The Governor of Karnataka and Chancellor Thaawarchand Gehlot has written to Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi directing appropriate action against the Vice-Chairman of Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) S.R.

Niranjana for alleged financial irregularities and misuse of public funds. In his letter to the Minister, the Governor said, “The supporting documents submitted along with the representation shows that the reimbursements are claimed for many bills from the council funds and they apparently seem to be not abiding to the rule.” “KSHEC has been established as a collective of the government, universities, academics and experts.

Having tainted individuals in high positions in such a high-ranking institution creates distrust among academicians, teachers and students towards the institution. In the interest of safeguarding the higher education institutions in the State against the misuse of public funds, financial irregularities need to be viewed seriously.

In this regard, I am directing you to look into the matter personally and take necessary action against those concerned at the earliest,” the Governor said. As per the documents submitted by the complainant to Lok Bhavan, Prof.

Niranjana has allegedly claimed reimbursement from the KSHEC funds for personal expenses and private entertainment. The copies of the bills reimbursed from the council were taken by the complainant under the Right to Information Act.

In one allegation raised, the copies of the bills issued by a club in Bengaluru were reimbursed by the KSHEC. The copies of some bills attached along with the complaint show that the refreshment bills reimbursed in June and July 2024 were worth ₹34,350, including a bill from a supermarket.