Panels formed to review convocation dress code, honorary doctorate norms in Karnataka

Bengaluru: The higher education department has constituted an expert committee to study the convocation protocol and common dress code during convocations.

The issue was raised during a recent meeting chaired by governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and attended by chief minister Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar, along with the vice-chancellors of all the state-run universities.

There was a general consensus that all state universities should have uniform code for convocations. Many vice-chancellors expressed displeasure at the current practice of western robes and caps used for graduating students and chief guests. Some of them also noted that the colours of these gowns vary with universities.

While many of them supported Indian attire, another set of academicians also recommended use of khadi clothes. The University Grants Commission had, in the past, proposed that universities use khadi for convocation.

A govt order was passed announcing a convocation protocol and common dress code committee headed by former vice chancellor of Janapada University, Ambalike Hiriyanna. Other members include TR Thapak, former VC, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University, and A Murigeppa, former VC, Kannada University. K G Chandrashekhar, executive director, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, will be the convenor.

Another committee is constituted to submit recommendations on framing uniform guidelines while awarding honorary doctorates by the universities.

Higher education minister MC Sudhakar had written to the governor about the lack of standards in awarding honorary doctorates and multiple universities were awarding doctorates to the same people.

There were also controversies over conferring honorary doctorates to politicians. This issue was raised by Congress MLC Ramesh Babu during the recent legislature session.

This committee is headed by TD Kemparaju, former VC of Bangalore North University.

Additionally, yet another committee has been formed to make recommendations on the revision of the syllabus.