Mysuru: The University of Mysore has landed itself in controversy as it gave permission to its teaching and non-teaching staff members to attend the felicitation to State Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda and Tourism Minister S R Mahesh organised by a private organisation. While it has raised eyebrows, many experts even claim that the university could give such permission if there were education-related programmes including seminars and conferences but not for private functions like felicitation.

According to sources, the varsity had sent a circular to all the departments that permission was given to all the teaching and non-teaching staffs at 2.30 PM to take part in the felicitation function which was held at Senate Hall on July 21 and get back to their respective departments after the event concluded. The function started at 3 PM and most of the teaching and non-teaching staffs were found present until the completion of the programme after 5.30 PM.

Many including former vice-chancellors and registrars say the permission was valid for educational events but not felicitation ceremonies. If at all such permissions need to be given, they need to get approval from the government. “The permission for just felicitation function organised by a private organisation shouldn’t have been given. It’s really unfortunate and it should not be repeated and the government should act in this regard and streamline the system”, added a former vice chancellor.

Speaking to Newskarnataka Umesh, Vice Chancellor (In-charge), University of Mysore said, “The higher education minister is the pro-chancellor of the university. We can’t tell the staff members not to attend the programme. There is no doubt that the felicitation was not done by the university. It was not brought to my notice and all files need not come to me. I have not seen the order. I will look into it.”

On Saturday, the supporters of ministers G T Devegowda and S R Mahesh had organised the felicitation function at Senate Bhavan.