Thu Jul 17 14:22:40 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text.
**Summary:**
Rani Channamma University’s Vice-Chancellor, C.M. Tyagaraja, is facing allegations of falsifying academic records and not meeting the eligibility requirements for his position. These accusations, made by the Dalit Vidyarthi Parishat, are being vehemently denied by the Rani Channamma University Post-graduate Teachers Association (RCUPTA). The RCUPTA asserts that the allegations are baseless and a malicious attempt to tarnish the VC’s reputation, highlighting his significant contributions to the university’s academic and infrastructural development, especially through the PM-USHA MERU scheme, laptop distributions to disadvantaged students and collaborations with foreign universities. The Dalit Vidyarthi Parishat claims to have obtained documents via RTI to support their claims and has petitioned the Governor for action. The VC has yet to respond.
**News Article:**
**Rani Channamma University VC Faces Allegations; Teachers Association Defends Him**
**Belagavi, July 17, 2025 (The Hindu)** – A controversy has erupted at Rani Channamma University (RCU) as the Dalit Vidyarthi Parishat (DVP) accuses Vice-Chancellor C.M. Tyagaraja of falsifying academic records and lacking the necessary qualifications for his position. The DVP alleges that Prof. Tyagaraja misrepresented his academic achievements and obtained voluntary retirement before seeking the VC appointment, questioning the legitimacy of his degrees and work experience.
The accusations were met with strong opposition from the Rani Channamma University Post-graduate Teachers Association (RCUPTA), who released a statement dismissing the allegations as “false and baseless.”
“These are malicious attempts by vested interests to malign an academic’s reputation,” stated J. Manjanna, president of the RCUPTA. He emphasized Prof. Tyagaraja’s “tireless efforts” in driving academic and infrastructural development at RCU, particularly highlighting the university’s progress under the PM-USHA MERU scheme, which has provided a substantial grant of ₹100 crore for state-of-the-art equipment and buildings. Manjanna also pointed to the distribution of laptops to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students as evidence of the VC’s commitment to inclusivity.
“The Vice-Chancellor is facilitating interaction of students with accomplished individuals from diverse fields by organizing special programmes. Some faculty members have taken up collaborative research works with prestigious universities in foreign countries,” Manjanna added.
The DVP, however, maintains its stance, with State President Srinath Pujari claiming to possess documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act that support their allegations. Pujari stated he has formally requested the Governor to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the Vice-Chancellor.
As of now, Prof. Tyagaraja has not publicly responded to the accusations. The controversy raises concerns about the leadership and integrity of a prominent educational institution, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.