Urgent call for meaningful intervention to appoint VC (in-charge) in MU
- Imphal Times Editorial :: December 09 2020 -

Can’t the High Court intervene?

Manipur University is in the news again for all the bad reasons.

The granting of relieve to court appointed administrator by the High Court of Manipur allowing him to leave Manipur University by 30-11-20 after completing all formalities is already made known by 26th November 2020.

But the reason for the delay in sending the proposal of appointing the new (in-charge) Vice-Chancellor by the Manipur University still remains a mystery.

The same order also mentioned the prayer by the Union of India for allowing the authorities of the University under the Manipur University Act, 2005 to assign the duties of the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the Manipur University to Pro Vice-Chancellor/Senior most Professor of the Manipur University in accordance with Statute 2(6) of the Statutes of the Manipur University.

But the Manipur University administration intimated the Ministry of Education, GOI very late as it send the proposal for assigning the charge of Vice Chancellor of Manipur University only on 4-12-2020.

At the same time there is no likelihood of appointing a new Vice Chancellor, as the case filed by Former Vice Chancellor AP Pandey is pending still pending at the Delhi High Court.

In compliance with the court order and as prayed by the Government of India for allowing the authorities of the University under the Manipur University Act,2005 to assign the duties of the office of the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University to Pro VC/ senior most Professor of Manipur University in accordance with Statute 2(6) of the Statutes of the Manipur University, Prof. Amar Yumnam took charge on Nov 2 in compliance with the Court order as well as per the Statutes of the Manipur University, as leaving the office vacant with no one to take charge would amount to shirking the responsibilities which could be held liable to the one who had been entitled by the Statute of the Manipur University being the senior most professor.

And university at the moment doesn’t have a duly appointed Pro Vice Chancellor. The Union Ministry of Education also is still not communicating with the MU, some sections of the MU communities are trying to create trouble once again.

The MUSU too seems to be ignorant of the Court order of November 26 and failed to understand the legitimacy of Prof. Amar Yumnam taking charge of the office of the VC in-Charge of the Manipur University.

At this juncture, the State Government approaching the Ministry of Education for immediately communicating the MU either to give approval to Prof. Amar Yumnam as the VC incharge or fastrack the appointment of a regular VC would be a very timely intervention.

Mention may be made that Prof. Amar Yumnam being the senior most Professor of the Manipur University is likely to retire in February or March due to superannuation, that is just 3 or 4 months from today.

The prompt interim arrangement to keep the office of the Vice Chancellor occupied and not lying vacant by six student bodies namely - the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Manipur Students Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students Association (KSA), Students Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipakki MaheiroiSinpanglup (AIMS) is very justified and reasonable.

The non-existence of VC at this crucial hour just before the onset of new academic session and the need for issuing migration certificate to those who are potentially and would be seeking admission to institutions in other states and abroad is very much undesirable and uncalled for.

Taking all these in consideration, the union Ministry of Education and all concerned should stop jeopardising the prospects of Manipur University, its students and all other stake holders by keeping the appointment of Manipur University (in-charge) Vice-Chancellor in abeyance. Timely appointment before the matter goes out of hands beyond control is the need of the hour.

The Hon’ble High Court of Manipur at various instances and also particularly in relation to this issue have as conscience keeper of the state proved its mettle by timely intervening thereby saving the university from further sinking to the debris.

It is seen that timely intervention of the Court even at the peak of crisis in Manipur University a few years ago could bring normalcy in the university within short period of time.

Now also at this crucial hour of need, it is looked upon to the Hon’ble High Court of Manipur that it may initiate to take up of this case Suo Motto and pursued to a logical end by appointing or a (in-charge) Vice-Chancellor from among the senior most empanelled professors in accordance with relevant Act and Statutes of the Manipur University during the interim period before the appointing of regular Vice-Chancellor which is now at the discretion of Government of India.

Such timely and meaningful intervention of the Hon’ble Court would enable the University to function effectively for the overall welfare of the university community and Manipuri society at large.