In a first in Bihar, VC completes term under compulsory leave

In a first in Bihar, vice chancellor of a university has retired while under compulsory leave that extended for over nine months as an inquiry was going on against him, officials said.

In a first in Bihar, vice chancellor of a university has retired while under compulsory leave that extended for over nine months as an inquiry was going on against him, officials said.

Veer Kunwar Singh University in Ara. (HT Photo)

Devi Prasad Tiwari took charge as vice chancellor of Veer Kunwar Singh University in Ara on March 11, 2019. On June 2021, he was sent on compulsory leave by the officer of the Governor, who is the ex officio chancellor of the state universities.

On March 14, Raj Bhawan issued a fresh notification on completion of Tiwari’s three-year term, saying the additional charge of the university will continue to be with Nalanda Open University vice chancellor KC Sinha till further orders.

“Consequent upon completion of the term of professor Devi Prasad Tiwari, the chancellor’s office is pleased to order professor KC Sinha to perform the duties of VKSU VC, in addition to his own duties, till the appointment of VC or till further orders. Further, it is directed not to take any policy decision for which an order has been issued earlier,” said the notification issued by Raj Bhawan joint secretary Pravin Kumar Gupta.

After Tiwari was sent on compulsory leave on the charge of preventing inquiry into alleged financial irregularities ordered by the Raj Bhawan, VKSU was placed under additional charge of Magadh University VC Rajendra Prasad. Later, it was handed over to Sinha since Prasad himself went on medical leave after the state vigilance carried out raids at his office and UP residences.

Since then, MU is also under additional charge and Prasad’s three-year term ends in September. The vigilance court has already rejected his bail plea, while four senior officials of MU, including registrar and proctor, remain in jail.

“Raj Bhawan did order an inquiry against me and it was to be completed in one month. I was also served show cause and I responded, seeking certain documents on the basis of which charges were framed against me, but that never arrived. Waiting, I have now completed my term,” said Tiwari.