Kiza, Vice -Chairman, Thomas, a digital university of Keral (DUK), wrote Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Alelekar, who raised concerns about abuse of government funds, unauthorized private enterprises by the faculty and irregularities in highly profile projects, especially in the flag “graphics program.” The 94.85 GBP project is jointly funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) and the State Government.
Thomas in his report to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Duk, has identified cases of conflict of interest between the faculty with external trade interests. It pointed out that several higher members of the faculty owned and operated private companies without a formal permit. In addition, university infrastructure was used for the operation of these entities, including office space, employees and research scientists. In addition, the projects funded by the government were directed through some of these companies without reasonable control.
The vice-chairman caused several doubts in the GraPhene Aurora program and the involvement of I-Geic, a private entity. While the company based in Bengalur was originally listed as an implementation agency of projects, Meity later issued a correndum to identify the university as an implementation agency. Despite the repair, the university transferred CZK 3.94 GBP Crore funds of the project received in 2024-25.
Burden on the varsity
It is said that the Memorandum of Understanding Duk with I-Geic and Meity states full responsibility for the university for project implementation, protecting a private company from operational liability. Agreements are reportedly distorted against the interests of the university.
The report also emphasizes alleged abuse of university and funds. The university of the Kabani building in Technopark, reconstructed for 2.9 GBP, is clearly used to place I-Geic employees and other private companies. Rent and maintenance for space is carried by DUK.
Thomas, who insisted that such cases were not isolated, said similar cases were followed in other projects. While the university has begun steps to facilitate the audit of the General Accounting, the vice -chairman recommended an independent audit to reveal any financial poor management and abuse of public resources.
Published – 9 July 2025 20:19
