UOM to lease out historic property for free?

Mysuru: The University of Mysore (UOM) syndicate member TR Chandrashekar has alleged that the university administration is preparing to illegally lease the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas — brought under the university through the efforts of poet Kuvempu, when he was the vice-cancellor — to a private organisation on a 40-year free lease.However, university authorities have denied the allegations and termed them baseless. Chandrashekar stated that the Jayalakshmi Vilas, located in Manasagangotri, the PG campus of the UoM, is a heritage structure. The mansion was recently renovated at a cost of Rs 33 crore through CSR funds, with the objective to conserve the property.He alleged that a proposal is now under way to lease the property to a private entity for nearly 40 years without any financial consideration.Raising concerns over transparency, he alleged that during the syndicate meetings, on March 13 and 27, the matter was discussed only verbally, with no official documents shared with members and no inclusion in the formal agenda. Chandrashekar urged the university administration to immediately review and cancel the proposed MoU. He also stated that, if necessary, the matter would be challenged through a PIL.Meanwhile, university authorities have rejected the allegations as baseless. As per the letter written by the University registrar MK Savitha to Chandrashekar, the varsity has not taken any decision in this regard. There was only a discussion about the pros and cons of such a MoU, she stated.