In a recent turn of events, calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe have intensified following allegations of misuse of funds, fraud, embezzlement, and construction irregularities at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur. The primary focus of these allegations is Col. (Dr.) N.K. Rai, the current Registrar of the institute.
The demand for a high-level investigation emerged after an inquiry committee, formed as per the 63rd Meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) of NIT Jamshedpur, visited the institute on July 8, 2024. The two-member committee comprised Prof. T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna and BoG Member of NIT Jamshedpur, and N.S. Bisht, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education (MOE), New Delhi.
Col. Rai's appointment at NIT Jamshedpur has been under scrutiny since it came to light that he was previously terminated from his position as Registrar at Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, by the Governor of Bihar on September 24, 2020. This termination was upheld by the Patna High Court in case number CWJ178/2021, which confirmed the charges against him. Despite this, he secured the position at NIT Jamshedpur, raising significant concerns about the selection process and due diligence.
Local media and social platforms have been rife with reports of financial mismanagement and irregularities in construction projects at NIT Jamshedpur, further tarnishing the institute's reputation. Following these revelations, Col. Rai was relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The inquiry, however, has been mired in controversy. Critics allege that the process is biased, with claims that the Director of NIT Jamshedpur has been unduly supportive of Col. Rai, potentially influencing the investigation's outcome.
In response to these concerns, Santosh Mandal, District Minister of Saraikela-Kharsawan District, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has formally demanded a CBI probe. Mandal argues that only an independent investigation by the CBI can ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the allegations against Col. Rai.
"The entire process appears to have been preconceived and planned to favor Col. (Dr.) N.K. Rai, potentially to hush up and dilute the seriousness of the allegations," Mandal stated. "In the larger interest of the institute and to ensure transparency and accountability, a CBI probe is essential."
Mandal's demand underscores the broader implications for governance and ethical conduct at NIT Jamshedpur, an institution of national importance. He insists that Col. Rai remain relieved from his post until a final decision is made by the BoG or MOE based on the findings of a comprehensive investigation.
The call for a CBI probe highlights the critical need for robust mechanisms to address corruption and ensure integrity within educational institutions. The situation at NIT Jamshedpur is now a pivotal test case for upholding these principles, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching consequences for the institute's governance and reputation.
