Manipur varsity V-C dismissed by Centre over irregularities | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Manipur varsity V-C dismissed by Centre over irregularities

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByAmandeep Shukla
Feb 22, 2020 12:12 PM IST

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is a visitor to central universities, gave his assent to a proposal moved by the Union human resource development (HRD) ministry following which V-C Pandey was dismissed, said a senior government official requesting anonymity.

The Centre on Friday dismissed vice-chancellor (V-C) of Manipur University, Adya Prasad Pandey, for administrative and financial irregularities along with dereliction of duty.

Manipur University Student's Union (MUSU) raise slogans demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey, in New Delhi(PTI)
Manipur University Student's Union (MUSU) raise slogans demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey, in New Delhi(PTI)

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is a visitor to central universities, gave his assent to a proposal moved by the Union human resource development (HRD) ministry following which V-C Pandey was dismissed, said a senior government official requesting anonymity.

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Earlier, a fact-finding committee set up by the HRD ministry found that there was substance in the allegations made against Pandey.

Pandey, who was appointed as Manipur University V-C in October 2016, has been in the crosshairs from the outset as the Manipur University Students’ Union along with the varsity’s teachers and staff unions held protracted protests seeking his removal over a raft of complaints.

His tenure as the V-C became untenable after state government officials requested the Centre to take note of the situation citing law and order concerns. Later, Pandey was put under suspension and was showcaused by the enquiry committee set up to probe charges against him.

According to the official, it emerged that Pandey had stayed away from the university for 189 days, triggering a row.

Though he gave an elaborate reply to the notice, the ministry felt that there was sufficient grounds -- such as making purchases without inviting tenders -- that necessitated his removal.

A source close to vice chancellor Panday, however, insisted that he had worked in an honest manner. “We completely reject all the allegations. He has worked in the most honest manner even in difficult circumstances. He stuck to rules even in trying circumstances,” said the person close to Panday.

In fact, it was Panday, who had been victimised. The person also added that Panday had already sent his resignation on February 17. What was the need to issue such an order after he sent his resignation, the person said.

The HRD ministry has been taking a stern view of allegations against V-Cs. In 2016, the vice chancellor of Pondicherry University was removed following allegations of improprieties. In January, the V-C of Allahabad University, RL Hangloo, resigned citing personal reasons after a controversial tenure in which he was accused of administrative irregularities. Also, the V-C of Tripura University, Vijay Dharurkar, resigned recently after a video of a sting operation surfaced showing him accepting bribe.

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