University of Calicut to probe allegations over answer script storage project
Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran has ordered an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and procedural failures regarding an automated storage system launched in 2021.
University of Calicut Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran has ordered an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities and procedural failures regarding an automated answer-script storage and retrieval system, according to The Hindu.
The project was launched in 2021 under the Centre for Examination Automation and Management to securely store and quickly retrieve evaluated answer scripts. The investigation follows a complaint submitted by C.P. Muhammed Jaseel on September 28, 2026.
The Finance Officer will conduct the detailed investigation, assisted by Instrumentation Engineer T. Sajid and Student Welfare Department Section Officer K. Suresh Kumar.
The probe follows a directive issued by Mr. Raveendran on October 26, 2026.
The complainant alleged that the total project cost exceeded ₹25 crore and that the system failed to achieve expected efficiency. Mr. Jaseel claimed that despite spending over ₹10 crore on infrastructure, the system was not fully operational and staff still relied on manual processes.
The complaint also stated that funds were sanctioned by overriding objections from the Finance Officer. Pro Vice-Chancellor P. Rasheed Ahmed, a former Syndicate member, had previously filed a petition in the Kerala High Court naming former Vice-Chancellor M.K.
Jayaraj as a respondent.
University officials said the investigation will cover tender procedures, technical committee recommendations, contracts, expenditures, financial transactions, completion certificates, equipment installation, and the operational performance of the system.