Higher Education Minister C.T. Ravi and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S. Suresh Kumar paid a surprise visit to Bangalore University (BU) on Monday morning and held talks with university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Dr. N. Prabhudev and Registrar Prof. B.C. Mylarappa till late evening. But, sources said, the two ministers could not resolve the problems between VC and registrar, who have been fighting among themselves. The visit started around 11 am on Monday. Mr Ravi and Mr Kumar along with higher education department principal secretary Siddaiah visited the campus at Jnana Bharati.
Students and non-teaching staff protested before the ministers and demanded that their problems should be heard. The students alleged that they have not been given any facilities and are served sub-standard food at the hostels. Mr. Ravi tasted the food at the Men’s Hostel and told the authorities to provide better quality food and better facilities at the hostel. He was also unhappy with the poor infrastructure and shortage of staff at the University.
Dr Prabhudev informed both ministers that he is ready to conduct the Syndicate meeting if the government removes four senior members, including Professor K.V. Acharya. But Mr Ravi declined to do so. Meanwhile, BU Centre for Kannada studies chairman, Honna Siddaiah, started an indefinite fast in front of vice-chancellor’s office protesting against his alleged partisan attitude. Six non-teaching staff members are also taking part in the protest.