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Governor orders probe into KKHSOU anomalies

By Rituraj Borthakur

GUWAHATI, Aug 5 - Governor Jagdish Mukhi has ordered a high-level inquiry into the alleged financial and other irregularities at the Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University.

The inquiry panel will be headed by former judge of Gauhati High Court Justice BK Sharma and comprise retired IPS officer Umesh Kumar and IITG Director Prof TG Sitharam, official sources said.

The inquiry was ordered following a petition by Prof Srinath Baruah, former vice chancellor of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, which pointed out several irregularities in the alleged transfer of land between Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (AAU) and Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) and irregularities in execution of civil works in the transferred land.

Reports were sought from the KKHSOU and AAU authorities. Also, views were sought from the adviser of education department of Assam.

�The Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University and Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University prima facie satisfied that an inquiry is required to be conducted on the allegations raised,� the sources said quoting the notification.

�The inquiry committee may, during the inquiry, visit the university premises, inquire such documents it seems necessary, take copies, records statements and may have discussions with any of the persons and organisations, etc., in this connection... The committee will submit report, after inquiry, within a period of one month from the date of issue of this notification,� the notification stated.

The administrative officers and registrars of Assam Agricultural University and Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University have been directed to provide accommodations, vehicles and all necessary secretarial assistance to the enquiry officers.

Gross irregularities have been alleged in the transfer of land from the AAU to KKHSOU at Khanapara where the city centre of the open university is being set up at an estimated cost of over Rs 100 crore. Irregularities have been also alleged in the construction of the complex.

KKHSOU is a state university established in 2005. The headquarters of the university is located at Patgaon, Rani, Guwahati.

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