S Vidyashankar appointed new VTU VC

Vidyashankar was earlier the Vice-Chancellor of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru. He has also served as professor of mechanical engineering in Bangalore Institute of Technology. 

S Vidyashankar has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. He has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor for three years from the date of assuming charge. 

Vidyashankar had earlier served as Vice-Chancellor of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru. He has also served as professor of mechanical engineering in Bangalore Institute of Technology before his appointment as KSOU Vice-Chancellor.

The search committee under the chairmanship of Rajiv Gandhi Technological University of Madhya Pradesh, VC Sunil Kumar had submitted the list of shortlisted names to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, also the Chancellor of the university. The list also included names of Anand S Deshpande, VTU Registrar (Academic), Gopal Mugeraya, Director, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa. Karisidappa was relieved of his charge as VTU VC on September 23.  

Two High Court lawyers have filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta against Karisidappa and VTU Registrar Anand Deshpande for allegedly flouting government norms by releasing funds and taking major policy decisions at the fag end of Karisidappa’s tenure. It has been alleged that Karisidappa allowed the release of INR 20 crore as the second tranche of funds for developmental works of a Mysuru university earlier in September. The varsity also approved INR 86.10 crore to VTU PG centres in Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mysuru and Muddenahalli in August this year. As per a circular dated September 28, 2021, issued by the Karnataka Governor, vice-chancellors of universities in the state were directed not to take any major policy decisions if their tenure ends within two months. 

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