The Lokayukta has blamed the government and the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) for failing to appoint an ombudsman for the university as per All India Council for Technical Education and University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.
In an order passed on a complaint by a lawyer, Ajay R Kamath, the Lokayukta said that the government and the KTU have a statutory duty to appoint a Lokpal as per the rules of AICTE and UGC.
After examining and hearing the counsel for the complainant, the State Government and the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of KTU, it was found that even though the University came into existence in 2014, an Ombudsman was yet to be appointed.
Establishment of Students Grievance Redressal Committees and appointment of Lokpal were progressive measures for redressal of grievances of students studying in Colleges/Institutes affiliated to the University. It will promote peace and harmony in colleges and institutions and improve their academic environment. When colleges, institutions or university had an established system for redressal of grievances, students would refrain from resorting to unhealthy and undesirable means for redressal of their grievances.
The Lokayukta sent a report to the Chief Minister recommending that the government and the university expedite the process of appointment of a Lokpal for KTU and ensure that the Lokpal is appointed within six months.