Kuvempu University seeks action against former Registrar over convocation irregularities
The university has written to the State government regarding alleged financial irregularities during the 34th annual convocation held in January 2025.
Kuvempu University in Shivamogga has written to the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education seeking action against former Registrar (Evaluation) S.M. Gopinath. According to The Hindu, the university alleges irregularities occurred during the organisation of the 34th annual convocation in January 2025.
The university claims Prof. Gopinath, who held the post from August 22, 2023, to September 11, 2025, drew a ₹40 lakh advance as an Abstract Contingency Bill. The university stated that the officer did not submit no-due certificates after furnishing documents for the expenses, which it described as dereliction of duty.
A preliminary audit by the Finance Department found that the 34th convocation cost over ₹51.81 lakh, while the 32nd and 33rd convocations combined cost approximately ₹33 lakh. The Finance Officer noted that some items were unnecessary and others had exorbitant costs.
The university also alleged that the event was handed over to an event management company without an e-tender and without comparing rates with market rates. The university syndicate resolved to probe the expenditure during a meeting on June 10 this year.
Vice-Chancellor Sharath Ananthamurthy told The Hindu that the preliminary report showed some bills were not bona fide. He said the university has written to the State government and will proceed according to government instructions.
Current Registrar (Evaluation) R. Thimmarayappa stated that the 35th convocation cost about ₹20 lakh and that he has already submitted the required no-due certificates.