The Kannur University Senators Forum has warned that sensitive personal data collected from students through the K-REAP software for the first semester registration for the Four Year Under Graduate Program (FYUGP) examination could expose thousands of people to data fraud. The Forum raised the issue with the Vice-Chancellor, citing concerns about the nature and volume of data requested.
Forum convener Shino P. Jose said the students’ date of birth, marital status, caste details and annual income were collected using software operated by Maharastra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL). He said the purpose of seeking such data remains unclear and accused the company of collecting information beyond what was required to register for the trial.
He argued that matching case details with marital status increases the risk that the data will be diverted to marriage bureau networks, while family income information can be sold to financial institutions. He added that universities in Maharashtra had withdrawn from a similar arrangement after identifying such risks.
Members of the senate questioned the university’s decision to reassign exam-related work to MKCL despite allegations that the agency was previously blacklisted. They warned that the possible exchange of data belonging to students raises serious concerns about privacy and misuse.
The forum also said that shifting the burden of exam registration to heads of departments has disrupted academic work across colleges. Mr. Jose said legal action would be initiated if the students were held responsible for the errors caused by the system.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 19:08 IST
