Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network –Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Sep 12: “A government level enquiry is in progress regarding Rs 4.8 crores of irregularities. University vice chancellor Professor K Byrappa who is responsible for it is a black mole for society,” said Dalit organizations district convener Ashok Konchadi.
He was addressing in protest rally held by the federation of dalit organizations and CITU, Ullal zone at Mangaluru university administration block on Monday, September 11.
The protesters demanded that workers who are dismissed from work be reinstated. “Anti-workers Canon agency be changed and the vice chancellor should intervene immediately to solve the problems of workers,” they said.
“The university is responsible for two major irregularities. The university has cheated temporary workers without issuing any advertisement in the newspapers or media. Several young people looking for jobs are deprived of the opportunity. Vice Chancellor Byrappa has brought those who are close to him for work. Several applications for job are rejected. Those who raise their voice are issued notices or transferred. He is not entrusted with power to show his high handedness. He has spoiled the name of revered educational institute. Therefore it is not suitable for the vice chancellor to remain in the university. There is good name for the university. Let it not be spoilt. If the vice chancellor has shame and dignity, let him resign and go,” said Ashok Konchady.
“Though Canon Company has cheated workers, the vice chancellor has not asked them. He has deliberately removed workers who had participated in protests last time,” he said.
Dalit Swabhimana Vedike Mangaluru president Raghuveer Suterpet asked how the vice chancellor is sitting in air conditioned cabin and earning lacs as salary understand the hardship of ‘D’ group workers. “Does Canon company which was expelled from Mysore University for not doing their duties properly have self-respect? Let the vice chancellor not show concern towards Canon Company which has come to loot. Do not come to teach people of Mangaluru,” he said.
“Those who are working on contract basis do not have ESI or Provident fund. Days have come for vice chancellor to go. Thick skinned officials should understand or be prepared to go to jail. The vice chancellor is investigating the work culture of night duty workers. Why are you not able to stop looting in the university while workers are suffering without salary? Take the workers back to work. We will answer through protests if you do not do it. Be prepared to bear it. We will not be quiet when an organization gets spoiled.”
Local labour leader Sankappa inaugurated the rally. CITU members Padmavathi Shetty, Nirmal Kumar, Ibrahim, Jayanth Naik, Yashoda Hosabettu, Ganesh Suterpet, Babu Pilar, T Ishwar Suterpet and Anand Bellare were present.
Protesters shouted slogans against the vice chancellor. Police protection was provided for protests. Pro Chancellor K M Lokesh requested to stop protests and tried to exert pressure. Vice chancellor refused to come to the venue.