V.D. Satheesan Calls for Vigilance Probe into Digital University Kerala Irregularities

Swift Summary

• Allegations: Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has demanded a vigilance examination into alleged financial irregularities and corruption at Digital University Kerala (DUK).
• Misuse Identified: Claims include misuse of funds meant to support DUK’s functioning and faculty securing projects through companies they run for personal benefit.
• Chief Minister’s Involvement: The Chief Minister, pinarayi Vijayan, serves as Pro-Chancellor of DUK, adding significance to the allegations.
• Graphene Project Concerns: Irregularities are alleged in the ₹94.85-crore Graphene-Aurora program jointly funded by MeitY and the State government; money was advanced to a private firm before completing official procedures.
• Vice-Chancellor Input: Acting Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas previously flagged similar issues in a letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar earlier this month.
• Other Irregularities: Reports claim staff from private companies are accommodated in buildings meant for university projects like the digital science park.

Indian opinion Analysis

The allegations against Digital University Kerala raise serious concerns about accountability within institutions managing public funds. Given that the Chief Minister is directly connected as Pro-Chancellor,scrutiny surrounding governance practices at DUK becomes vital. If true, claims regarding project manipulation and premature advances on major initiatives like Graphene-Aurora could undermine larger efforts toward innovation-led growth in sectors supported by state and federal investments.

Investigating these concerns through vigilance mechanisms would provide clarity to taxpayers while potentially upholding Kerala’s reputation as a hub for technology-driven initiatives. The involvement of external faculty with business interests also highlights challenges governments face balancing academic independence with ethical constraints on public-private partnerships.

Read more link: Published – July 12, 2025 06:44 pm IST