Hyderabad: In a significant development in Telangana’s higher education sector, the Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, on Saturday formally accepted the resignation of Dr. Nandakumar Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS). Dr. Reddy had submitted his resignation late on Friday following a series of serious allegations concerning examination irregularities and administrative lapses within the university.

The resignation was submitted to Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, who subsequently forwarded it to the Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of the university. A spokesperson from Raj Bhavan confirmed that the Governor accepted the resignation on Saturday.

The resignation comes amid growing scrutiny over the functioning of KNRUHS, particularly allegations of malpractice in the conduct of examinations and inspections of affiliated medical institutions. Reports suggest that Dr. Reddy faced multiple allegations, including the revaluation of answer sheets instead of the prescribed process of re-counting to pass certain students who had failed in undergraduate and postgraduate medical examinations.

Additionally, there were claims of irregularities during inspections of private medical colleges and the arbitrary appointment of in-charge officials in key administrative positions. These issues had raised concerns about transparency, adherence to standards, and the overall credibility of one of the state’s premier health education institutions.

The move to accept the resignation came shortly after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed senior officials to take stringent action against individuals responsible for irregularities, irrespective of their position or influence. In an official statement, the Chief Minister emphasized that top-ranked educational and professional institutions must operate with transparency, neutrality, and strict adherence to standards. “The government will not tolerate any lapses that undermine public trust or tarnish the reputation of our institutions,” the statement said.

Officials from the medical and health department confirmed that investigations were initiated following complaints about procedural discrepancies and administrative lapses. The probe covered various areas, including examination processes, inspection protocols, and appointments of key university personnel. The findings, submitted to the Chief Minister, reportedly confirmed several discrepancies, prompting the call for accountability.

Dr. Reddy, who had been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of KNRUHS on March 18, 2025, served just over eight months before stepping down. During this period, his tenure was increasingly overshadowed by scrutiny and controversy. The Chief Secretary, along with the Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Christina Jongthu, had summoned Dr. Reddy to provide explanations regarding the allegations prior to his resignation.

In a brief statement to reporters after submitting his resignation, Dr. Reddy refuted the allegations, asserting his willingness to cooperate with any investigation. “I am ready to face any kind of investigation,” he said, adding that the revaluation of answer sheets had been conducted in only one instance, following a specific student complaint of perceived injustice. He maintained that no other malpractices occurred during examinations at KNRUHS.

The resignation has triggered discussions about governance and oversight within Telangana’s higher education institutions. Observers note that the incident highlights the importance of robust administrative mechanisms, transparent examination procedures, and accountability to maintain credibility in academic institutions.

With Dr. Reddy stepping down, the Governor is expected to appoint an interim Vice-Chancellor to ensure the smooth functioning of KNRUHS while investigations continue. Officials indicate that the university will continue its operations without disruption, with emphasis on maintaining standards in examinations, inspections, and administration.

The episode has also brought attention to the broader need for systemic reforms in health education management in the state, particularly regarding monitoring mechanisms for examinations, oversight of affiliated colleges, and appointment procedures for key administrative posts. The state government has indicated a commitment to strengthening these mechanisms to prevent similar controversies in the future.

As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders including students, faculty, and affiliated institutions are closely monitoring developments, seeking assurances that academic standards and fairness will be upheld. The resignation of Dr. Reddy is seen as a step toward restoring confidence in the university’s governance and addressing public concerns regarding procedural integrity.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by higher education administrators in balancing academic responsibilities with procedural compliance, transparency, and accountability. Telangana’s health education sector now faces a critical juncture, with state authorities tasked with ensuring that the university continues to operate efficiently while restoring public trust in its governance.