Exam records unsigned since 2018; fresh allegations rock Kalady Sanskrit University

Thiruvananthapuram: Allegations of irregularities in awarding of marks in degree examinations have surfaced at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. Officials concerned have not signed the tabulation registers of degree examinations conducted since 2018. It is suspected that Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas’ refusal to issue certificates based on such records led to the recent SFI protest that sparked controversy. There are also reports that retired officials were asked to sign the tabulation registers.

The controversy centres on the absence of officials’ signatures in the tabulation registers maintained by the university’s examination section since 2018.

Officials ranging from assistant registrars to joint registrars are yet to sign the registers. It has also been found that there are discrepancies between the marks originally awarded to students and those recorded in the tabulation registers.

The marks and course codes in the tabulation registers were incorrectly entered in the digital system. This is also believed to be one of the reasons why some officials did not sign the registers. Students who have been studying at the university since 2018 have so far been issued only provisional certificates.

At a Syndicate meeting held on July 17, it was decided to obtain the signatures of serving officials and those who had retired during the period concerned in the tabulation registers and issue the certificates. Subsequently, section officers reportedly contacted retired officials and asked them to sign the registers without obtaining the VC’s approval.

Some retired officials came forward and signed the registers, while others refused, citing discrepancies in the marks. Meanwhile, there are allegations that degree certificates were issued to several students who had passed their examinations without making the necessary entries in the registers.

The Save University Campaign Committee has submitted a memorandum to the Governor and the Vice-Chancellor seeking a judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities since 2018.