E-Paper
AU VC?s rider on inviting dignitaries
THE DAYS of inviting dignitaries from the State and Central government at one's own will are over for the Allahabad University (AU) departments, institutes, centres and even constituent colleges.
THE DAYS of inviting dignitaries from the State and Central government at one's own will are over for the Allahabad University (AU) departments, institutes, centres and even constituent colleges.
Henceforth all, including the MLN Medical College authorities, would have to seek prior approval of the Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor before rolling out the red carpet for any official or Minister of the Centre or of the State.
As per the new system, the organisers of any event wanting to extend an invitation to a dignitary would have to write to the VC in advance informing him about the planned event and the person that is to be invited for the function.
The VC would then approve the invitation keeping in mind that no violation of any set protocol norms occurs when the VIP actually arrives for the event.
A letter in this regard has already been circulated in all the departments and colleges of the varsity by the AU VC Prof Rajen Harshe. The letter (No. 433/VC-06) dated December 4, 2006 and sent to all the Deans of the Faculties, Heads of the Departments, Directors of Institutes, Co-ordinators of Centres and Principals of the University Colleges (Medical College)/ Constituent Colleges spells out clearly the new system.
The letter states, "I am writing this to instruct all of you not to invite any dignitary from the State or the Central Government as well as the Chancellor of the University without seeking prior permission from me.
" With Prof Rajen Harshe making it clear that seminars and conferences are necessary for creating the right academic atmosphere on the campus, there is almost a race among the various wings and centres of the varsity to host such events.
The new system is expected to take care of the problem of a number of programmes being organised by various colleges and departments falling on the same day with even their timings clashing with each other.
Sources say that the new guideline is also the result of a few recent incidents when the VC was informed at the very last moment about the arrival of some VIPs at pre-decided functions as chief guests and guests of honour.
On being contacted, AU VC Prof Rajen Harshe said that the new order is being enforced simply to ensure that proper protocol is followed whenever a dignitary arrives on a function officially being hosted by AU, any of its faculty, centre or its colleges.
"The new system would also save me from having to change my programmes and schedules again and again at times upsetting even the travel plans, something which I had to do a few times during the recent weeks. Our aim should always be to extend the respect and honour which a dignitary deserves and nothing should be allowed to come in its way. I am confident that the new guidelines would help us treat our guests better and present a better image of the varsity before them," he added.
