The Jawaharlal Nehru University, which has run into controversy over an event on campus against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, has appointed Pramod Kumar, an associate professor at DU’s Aurbindo College, as its Registrar.
Kumar, who has been selected by a three-member panel, will take over the position of Registrar on Monday from Zutshi whose tenure is coming to an end on March 31.
“I had applied long ago... some four to five months ago. I was called for an interview and now I have been informed of my selection for the post. I will take charge on Monday,” Kumar told The Pioneer.
Zutshi was at the officiating position in the university and came under the attack of student community and JNU Tearchers’ Association which blamed him for working “hand in glove” against their democratic freedom with the Government.
Kumar, an alumni of JNU, holds an M.Phil and PhD from School of Environmental Sciences. He teaches Chemistry and has been selected from 25 candidates who were shortlisted for the interview.
“It was a choice to take up this position and luckily I have got it. I am happy and looking forward to it, after all JNU is my alma mater,” he added.
Zutshi will continue to work as a professor.
In wake of the current controversy, there have been repetitive demands from students and teachers for Zutshi’s removal for his alleged role in allowing police on the campus. Upping their ante against him, the varsity’s teachers association had last week decided to “de-recognise” any orders from him saying that he has completed 62-years of age and hence no official communication should be addressed to him.
JNUTA had demanded sacking of Zutshi alleging his “mishandling” of the entire issue. Students while protesting for the release of arrested students had raised anti-JNU administration slogans.