Date:03/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/03/stories/2008080358980200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

University Syndicate approves panel report

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Syndicate of the Kerala University, which met here on Saturday, discussed the report of the sub-committee that was set up to investigate the case of the ‘missing’ OMR answer sheets of the examination for recruitment to the post of University Assistant, held in July 2005.

The meeting approved the findings of the sub-committee that the OMR answer sheets were not returned to the university after valuation.

The three-member fact-finding committee set up by the Syndicate had concluded that the Hyderabad-based press, where the sheets were evaluated, had not delivered the same to the university.

The committee reported that the press had failed to produce any records to substantiate delivery of the OMR sheets.

It observed that both the press and the university were guilty of negligence, ignorance and laxity, leading to such a situation. The university, it said, had failed to maintain proper records of the examination.

The panel had also suggested that the university follow the model of the Public Service Commission in conducting such tests in future and adopt the Kerala Government Manual of Office Procedure for administrative matters of the university offices.

The committee was set up following allegations of nepotism and corruption in the conduct of the examination and in the subsequent selection interview for the post, which resulted in a case in the Lok Ayukta.