The Governor of Uttarakhand Dr KK Paul has directed the Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh to conduct an inquiry into complaints of irregularities, allegations and counter allegations in Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU). The Governor said that since these complaints are having negative impact on the image of the university, an in depth probe is needed.
The Pioneer in its edition of July 16 had broken a story on appointment scam in the university. Top university officials were involved in the scam and they used the agency of Uttrakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam limited (UPNl) to appoint their near and dear ones. In these appointments Divya Juyal wife of UTU registrar Dr Vijay Juyal was appointed as Research Officer (RO) on a salary of Rs 47000 per month. Similarly during a short duration when the UTU Vice Chancellor P K Garg was holding additional responsibility of VC of HNB Medical Education University, appointment for his daughter Pooja Garg was recommended for the post of system manager in the university. The wife of Deputy Registrar UTU SPS Rawat, Kamlesh Negi too enjoyed the largesse as she was appointed Research Officer in the university.
Another reason for the Governor to order inquiry is slanging match of allegation and counter allegation between the VC P K Garg and Director of Women Institute Technology (DIT) Alaknanda Ashok. DIT is one of a constituent college of UTU. Ashok and Garg entered into allegation and counter allegation after Ashok terminated service of one of teachers Sunita Chandel. In the slanging match which ensued, the VC even accused Alaknanda Ashok of arrogance as she happens to be the wife of Director Vigilance, ADGP, Ashok Kumar. An infuriated Alaknanda Ashok hit back by sending a legal notice to the VC.