Digital University Kerala Defends Board Against Allegations

Digital University Kerala (DUK) has issued a strong rebuttal to accusations from the Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) concerning its Board of Governors' legality, faculty recruitment, and audit findings. DUK clarified that its recent Board of Governors meeting adhered strictly to legal provisions, countering claims that the chairperson's term had expired. The university explained that the three-year tenure limit cited by SUCC applies to expert members nominated by the chairperson, not the chairperson themselves, and that this tenure is extendable.

Furthermore, DUK categorically denied allegations of disregarding reservation norms in faculty appointments, stating all recruitment followed UGC guidelines and established selection committees. The university also highlighted that over 80% of its operational funding stems from external research and consultancy projects, and it does not receive government non-plan funds for salaries. DUK also addressed Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) observations, noting that they have submitted comments on preliminary communications and refuted the notion that the Board meeting aimed to regularize discrepancies.