University of Calicut to probe answer script storage project allegations
Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran has ordered an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and procedural failures regarding an automated storage system.
University of Calicut Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran has ordered an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities and procedural failures involving an automated answer-script storage project. According to The Hindu, the project was launched in 2021 under the Centre for Examination Automation and Management to securely store and retrieve evaluated answer scripts.
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 complaint submitted by C.P. Muhammed Jaseel on September 28, 2026, and a directive issued by 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. Jaseel claimed that despite spending over ₹10 crore on racks and infrastructure, the system was not fully operational and staff still relied on manual processes.
The complaint further stated that funds were sanctioned by overriding objections raised by the Finance Officer. P. Rasheed Ahmed, the current pro Vice-Chancellor, 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, and expenditures. The probe will also examine financial transactions, completion certificates, equipment installation, and the actual operational performance of the system.