The University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to the union ministry of education to take “appropriate action” on a complaint received against Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari, Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, for allegedly violating central university norms and ministry’s directions.
Sharma’s term as the V-C of MGCU ended in February this year after which he was given an extension by the ministry of education (MoE) until his successor is appointed, for which the process is underway.
In a communication sent to the ministry of education on November 10, UGC under secretary (central university) AS Sajwan said, “I am hereby directed to enclose herewith a copy of complaint/ representation received through email against the vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari, Bihar, and request you to take an appropriate action in the matter as MoE is the appointing authority and enquiry against a vice-chancellor comes under the purview of the MoE.”
The UGC referred to the complaint dated October 20 by social activist Alok Raj addressed to the secretary of the commission and also marked to ministry of education officials as well. The complainant alleged that despite ministry of education’s direction (dated October 9, 2014) that prohibits acting vice chancellors (including those on extension) from taking important decisions including amending the statutes; bringing new ordinances or amending the ordinances; appointment of permanent faculty and creation of new posts, among others, Sharma took such decisions during an academic council (AC) meeting held on October 9.
According to the complaint, some of the matters discussed by the acting V-C Sharma during the AC meeting included establishment of two new centers; starting of “self finance scheme” from this year onwards and confirmation of services of six professors and six associate professors. “According to the central university act, 2009, only the executive council (EC) has been empowered for confirmation of services. The Academic Council has no role in the confirmation of services,” the complaint added.
{{/usCountry}}According to the complaint, some of the matters discussed by the acting V-C Sharma during the AC meeting included establishment of two new centers; starting of “self finance scheme” from this year onwards and confirmation of services of six professors and six associate professors. “According to the central university act, 2009, only the executive council (EC) has been empowered for confirmation of services. The Academic Council has no role in the confirmation of services,” the complaint added.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier in May last year, the Chancellor of the University Mahesh Sharma, had approached President Ramnath Kovind requesting an inquiry against the VC for allegedly violating the Central Universities Act. When contacted on Sunday, the Chancellor said, “The President, as the visitor of central universities, had promptly acted on my complaint and asked the ministry of education to take necessary action. However, I am still waiting for that to happen.”