'Non existent' mutual transfer notices spring up at KEA

On the first day of offline counselling for medical courses on the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) premises on Thursday, notices regarding mutual transfers were seen pasted on the walls outside.

The boards offered swapping of seat options for candidates, mainly for medical seats. When DH tried to reach one of the contact numbers displayed on the board, posing as a candidate, the person at the other end first inquired the ranking, saying he will take care of the further process, and all he needs is the candidate’s consent. He claimed that he is in touch with many KEA officials, who will take care of further process.

There were at least 10 boards displayed on the walls, which had also turned a boon for middlemen. Senior KEA officials told DH, “These boards are seen every year. There is no option called mutual transfer, we have also conveyed this to candidates during the document verification process. There were instances in which candidates lost seats allotted to them.”

Gangadharaiah, administrative officer, KEA, denied the involvement of officials in mutual transfers. He said, “There is no way the mutual transfer can happen. We have warned the people and removed the notices several times, but a few people have pasted them back. I have registered a formal complaint against the people who have done it.

“The police have noted down the numbers and are checking the details. I urge candidates not to opt for this process as it might cost them the seat already allotted for them.”