Sibal rap for UGC chairman

The human resource development ministry has bluntly barred University Grants Commission chairman Sukhdeo Thorat from making appointments or promotions after repeated complaints alleging irregularities, in an embarrassing snub three months before he quits office. Charu Sudan Kasturi reports.

The human resource development ministry has bluntly barred University Grants Commission chairman Sukhdeo Thorat from making appointments or promotions after repeated complaints alleging irregularities, in an embarrassing snub three months before he quits office.

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In a letter to Thorat, the HRD ministry has reminded the UGC chairman about a 2004 policy decision advising heads of autonomous institutions against making appointments or promotions when left with just three months in their tenure.

Thorat's tenure as UGC chairman ends in February 2011.

Top government sources confirmed to HT that the letter dated December 6, 2010 was the outcome of repeated complaints received by the HRD ministry against Thorat for alleged irregularities in attempted appointments recently.

The UGC recently tried to promote a deputy secretary level officer to the designation of a joint secretary - a double promotion - which was criticised by some within the commission.