Following public outcry and adverse media reports, the Coimbatore-based Bharathiar University decided to scrap the move to buy a Mercedes Benz car for the exclusive use of its Vice-Chancellor James Pitchai. The authorities had decided to purchase a Mercedes for the Vice-Chancellor and Toyota Etios for top management.
The university had a surplus fund of Rs 5.65 crore collected as fee for the State Eligibility Test (SET) held in 2011 for selecting assistant professors to various colleges coming under various universities in the State.
Though the V-C had a Toyota Camry, the university management felt he should have a Mercedes to visit the SET examination centre. Many leading educationalists and research scientists in various universities had criticised the move.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Pitchai who was in Chennai to meet the Governor, said he would concentrate more on improving facilities and infrastructure for the students. “This is a controversy which we could have avoided. Anyway, there is no move to purchase any cars and the matter is closed,” said Pitchai.