Outgoing V-C in quandary
Several alleged irregularities in the Fakir Mohan University here have put Vice-Chancellor Prof Kumar Bar Das in a dilemma with only a few days left for his tenure to expire.
While the allegations against him have led to strong commotion among members of the university’s Syndicate and Senate, intellectuals too expressed concern over it. Prof Das is alleged to have made appointments during the model code of conduct for elections and lobbied to get a second term.
The V-C, however, refuted the allegations saying a group of self-centered people, whose interests were undermined by his presence, have made these ‘baseless’ allegations. He also alleged that a group has been working against him since long to dislodge him from the post.
According to the latest allegation, four persons, including three as lecturers and one driver, were given appointments on April 19 when the model code of conduct was in place.
One lecturer was appointed each in Bio-Technology, Business Management and Environmental Science department. Most importantly, it is alleged that the appointment guidelines were not followed. As per UGC guidelines, a person seeking appointment in a teaching department either should have qualified National eligibility test or completed PhD.
A huge kickback to the tune of several lakhs of rupees might have taken place for these hurried appointments, alleged some officials of the University. They informed that the VC would retire on May 5.
Refuting charges, VC Prof Das said prior permission was obtained from the Election Commission for appointments to the posts, which were lying vacant since long. “There is also no truth that the persons appointed do not have cleared NET or having PhD degrees,” he said.
It is alleged that Dr Anil Padhi, son former VC of the Berhampur University Aditya Padhi was posted as Reader. Aditya Padhi is a member of the Search Committee formed for the next VC of FM University.
It is alleged Dr Anil Padhi’s appointment was aimed at inducing his father to recommend incumbent VC Prof Das’ name for a second term.
Prof Das refuted this charge too. “Mr Aditya Padhi was nominated by the authorities and his son has experience of 8 years. No other candidate found more eligible than him for the said post,” he said. The other allegations included that three candidates, including two of general category, were recently interviewed for a post of reserved category in the Sociology Department, though one SC candidate was appointed.
It is alleged that the interview was done to show favour to the particular candidate of the reserved category.
This apart, a lecturer, who has neither qualified NET nor PhD, has been allegedly drawing salary as per UGC scale.
Countering this allegation, the V-C clarified that her appointment was effected in 2004 when he was not in the post. More so, the NET guidelines came to force only after 2009, he said, informing that the lady lecturer has been asked to clear one of two requisites, NET or PhD. The intellectuals of the district have demanded an investigation into the allegations and, accordingly, action be taken against him.