The higher education department in Karnataka has constituted an expert committee to examine the convocation protocol and establish a common dress code for convocation ceremonies across all state-run universities.
Background of the Decision
The move follows a recent meeting chaired by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, which was attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and the vice-chancellors of all state universities. During the meeting, there was a general consensus that a uniform code for convocations should be adopted across the state.
Many vice-chancellors expressed dissatisfaction with the current practice of using Western-style robes and caps for graduating students and chief guests. They pointed out that the colors of these gowns vary from one university to another, leading to a lack of uniformity.
Debate on Attire
While a significant number of academicians supported the adoption of Indian traditional attire for convocations, another group recommended the use of khadi clothes. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had previously proposed that universities use khadi for convocation ceremonies.
Committee Composition
A government order has been issued to establish the convocation protocol and common dress code committee. The committee will be headed by Ambalike Hiriyanna, former vice chancellor of Janapada University. Other members include T.R. Thapak, former VC of Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University, and A. Murigeppa, former VC of Kannada University. K.G. Chandrashekhar, executive director of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, will serve as the convenor.
Additional Committees Formed
Another committee has been constituted to submit recommendations on framing uniform guidelines for awarding honorary doctorates by universities. This decision came after Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar wrote to the governor highlighting the lack of standards in awarding honorary doctorates, with multiple universities often conferring doctorates on the same individuals.
There have also been controversies over conferring honorary doctorates to politicians. Congress MLC Ramesh Babu raised this issue during a recent legislative session.
This committee is headed by T.D. Kemparaju, former VC of Bangalore North University.
Additionally, yet another committee has been formed to make recommendations on the revision of the syllabus.
