Kuvempu University seeks government action against former official over convocation funds

Kuvempu University has asked the State government to take action against its former Registrar for Evaluation, S.M. Gopinath, over money issues linked to the 34th annual convocation held in January 2025.

What Happened

Prof. Gopinath took an advance of ₹40 lakh as an Abstract Contingency Bill to get quick funds for the event. The university stated that he did not submit no-due certificates later after showing expense papers. The university also pointed out that the event management company was hired without calling an e-tender or checking market rates. A preliminary audit by the Finance Officer found that the 34th convocation cost more than ₹51.81 lakh, while the 32nd and 33rd convocations together cost only about ₹33 lakh. The current Registrar for Evaluation, R. Thimmarayappa, noted that the 35th convocation cost around ₹20 lakh and that he had already given his no-due certificates. Following these findings, then-Registrar N. Hemanth wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education on September 10, and Vice-Chancellor Sharath Ananthamurthy stated the university will follow government instructions on the matter.

Context

Universities in India must follow strict financial rules and open tender processes when spending public money on large events like convocations. When officials fail to clear their financial advances with proper bills and certificates, internal audits and government departments usually step in to investigate.