GUWAHATI, Dec 2 - The number of unapproved courses in Gauhati University�s IDOL (Institute of Distance and Open Learning) is 23 and not 21 as reported by CAG, the one-man commission probing the scam said in its report, calling for action against the vice chancellors, registrars and directors (IDOL) of the period who were found �responsible in terms of the issue-wise findings�.
The Assam Tribune has accessed the 372-page Dr Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia Commission report, which was submitted to the Gauhati University and has not being made public till now.
After the detailed inquiry, the commission found that eight courses under the postgraduate programme, eight under PG diploma programme, four undergraduate programmes, one diploma programme and two certificate programmes by GU IDOL during 2010-17 were unapproved.
In its findings, the commission stated that the continuation of alleged unapproved courses was �within the knowledge of the then VCs (GU), directors of IDOL and registrars (GU) and the actions taken by them in continuing the unapproved courses were not justified�.
And as such, all of them appeared to be responsible, the probe report stated.
In its recommendations, the commission said the GU authorities may approach the State government for initiating appropriate action against the then VC(s) of GU, serving during 2010-17, �being found responsible in terms of the issue-wise findings recorded in the report�. Also, the GU authorities may initiate appropriate action themselves �and/or approach the State government for initiating appropriate action against the then director(s) of GU IDOL and GU registrars serving during 2010-17, being found responsible in terms of the issue-wise findings recorded in the report.�
While the allegation regarding fictitious payment and extra-avoidable expenditure made by the then directors mentioned in the CAG report was not in terms of reference of the probe panel, the commission said, �GU authorities may initiate the process of a detailed investigation itself, if so desired, to find out the actual loss caused by the then director(s) of GU IDOL during the period pertaining to excess payments of printing materials, payments made as honorarium and for purchase of study materials as indicated in the CAG report.�
The commission also noted that a proper investigation by an appropriate investigating agency is the need of the hour.
The commission also recommended that the GU authorities may approach the UGC to grant approval to all those unapproved courses run by GU IDOL with retrospective effect keeping in view the career of those students who obtained degrees and diplomas during the period.
As per the CAG report, 73,912 students were enrolled into these unapproved courses. The GU had constituted another committee � a seven-member committee of teachers � to look into the irregularities in IDOL. It is more than one year now, but the fate of the report is not known.
