After the civil societies, rights activists, intellectuals, lawyers and social workers pointed finger at the deterioration of law and order situation in the campus and lowering of the quality of education and style of functioning of the scam-ridden Berhampur University that led to students ransacking the university buildings, Vice-Chancellor Prof Deepak Kumar Behera, amid the speculation of resigning from the post, has been on leave.
His sudden absence, particularly when the university is holding a two-day long State seminar in the PG Department of Odia for which several literary figures of national repute and scholars from outside are invited, has raised eyebrows.
However, the university officials are tight-lipped and refused to disclose the whereabouts of the VC apprehending action and embarrassing situation.
Unconfirmed sources, however, suggested that Prof Behera, who received severe criticism from the day one of assuming his office on the ground of his reported leniency towards mischief mongers, corrupt officers, laxity in administration, lack of administrative experience, and for least interest shown in expediting all investigations instituted against the university including vigilance enquiries against examination irregularities, has reportedly expressed his desire to quit.
According to information, the university administration was contemplating to arrange a conglomeration of pro-administration students in the campus for a show of strength in support of the VC so as to counter opponents. According to some insiders who did not wish to be identified, the position of the VC on the issue of resignation, however, is yet to be clear.
In the meantime, civil societies and intellectuals are of the opinion that the Government should immediately appoint a strict and experienced IAS officer or an academician outside the university system who has the credibility in academic administration and integrity in public life.
When the university opened on Monday, expressing regret over the Wednesday vandalism incident, a group of students holding placard in hand sat on dharana in front of the Office of the VC in administrative building and wanted the VC to join back.
When time was over and the VC did not turn up to his duties, the students came to know that the VC is available in his Brahmapur residence. A delegation of students led by the union president Rakesh Kumar Sadangi, general secretary Pramod Senapati, and joint secretary Smitarani Sahu came to the Brahmapur residence of the VC to meet him. Unconfirmed sources said that the delegation met the VC and expressed regret over the unpleasant incident taken place on Wednesday last and reportedly assured the VC that such incident will take place in the campus. later, VC Behera went to the university campus and spent some time.
“Since the university is going to conduct convocation on November 27, Golden Jubilee celebration in January followed by visit of the NAAC team in February next, we requested the VC to join duty in the greater interest of the university,” explained the student leaders.
In another development, the Berhampur University Teacher’s Association in an emergency meeting presided over by its president Prof Aswini Kumar Panda condemned the incident and discourteous behaviour of some students towards the VC. Prof Panda appealed to VC Prof Behera to join duty again.
It may, however, be recalled here that, being unable to control student unrest, authorities of Berhampur University had decided to hand over the campus to the police and the administration for one month in September last year.