Mumbai univ reappointed retired employees without approval: RTI reply

MU’s response to the RTI query, filed by activist Anil Galgali, seems to suggest that the university hired nine of its retired employees and three retired state government employees on contract basis. They were appointed as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) and coordinators in various departments on six-month contracts.

Weeks after a state government inquiry revealed irregularities in recruiting teaching and non-teaching staff at University of Mumbai (MU), a reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has suggested that the university hired retired employees without proper approvals.

University of Mumbai (HT Photo)

MU’s response to the RTI query, filed by activist Anil Galgali, seems to suggest that the university hired nine of its retired employees and three retired state government employees on contract basis. They were appointed as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) and coordinators in various departments on six-month contracts.

While the state government allows appointing retired officials for specific tasks, such appointments need approval from the government are subjected to a list of conditions laid down by Bombay high court.

According to Galgali, the varsity didn’t seek the government’s approval before appointing them. “Although the University of Mumbai has competent people to head its departments, it has rehabilitated 12 retired people from all over the state. At a time when it’s own financial condition is not sound, [the university] is wasting Rs2.80 lakh per month [on salaries for these officials],” he said.

In a letter addressed to the governor, Galgali has demanded that the appointments be cancelled and an inquiry be conducted on how the vice-chancellor appointed them.

Despite repeated attempts, the registrar of the university remained unavailable to comment.