NEFIS demands immediate replacement of Manipur University VC, submits memo to MHRD Min
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 11 2018:
A delegation of activists of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) submitted a memorandum to Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Prakash Javadekar today, regarding the alleged irregularities committed by Manipur University Vice Chancellor, Prof Adya Prasad Pandey and demanding immediate removal of the VC from his post.
A press release issued by NEFIS convening committee member stated that the activities of VC amount to hampering the academic atmosphere at the university.
It may be noted that the university students as well as students' union have been agitating for the past many days, demanding VC's replacement.
They are demanding his replacement following the alleged irregularities committed by his office, it claimed.
It further claimed that the VC has committed many alleged, irregularities such as making arbitrary and illegal donation of Rs 2 lakh from MU funds to student group, ABVP.
The VC has also allegedly used his office to award contracts to contractors without any due procedure, it further claimed.
The press statement said, "The procurement price of essentials such as examination paper in the contract so awarded is drastically higher than the earlier procurement prices".
NEFIS accused the Vice Chancellor of not conducting meetings with Executive Council and Finance Council as stipulated by Manipur University rules and for brazenly violated MU Act, 2005 by neglecting Court meetings.
He has also wilfully failed to make permanent appointments to key posts such as Registrar, Examination Controller, Librarian, and Museum Curator, which aids him in taking arbitrary decisions concerning these posts, it alleged.
He uses 'Y' category security, thereby showing disregard for students' long-standing demand to move Assam Rifles camp out of Manipur University campus.
NEFIS further claimed that the VC takes frequent leaves without informing the university about his return date and has allegedly spent around Rs 8 crore in travelling expenses so far, during his tenure.
It also stated that students who seek to meet the VC have to undergo physical and psychological harassment at the hands of his security guards.
The university is currently undergoing a crisis and facing problems such as lack of adequate number of seats, lack of funds, etc.
Instead of overhauling the setup to create equality of opportunity for the students of the state, the Union HRD Ministry continues to ignore the current dismal state of affairs in the university.
It should be known that universities are spaces meant to promote academic pursuits and not one's selfish goals, it added.
The delegation submitted the memorandum demanding immediate removal of' Manipur University VC and withdrawal/cancellation of all actions taken by the VC office during his tenure.
It also demanded the Assam Rifles camp to be removed from Manipur University campus.
NEFIS has also resolved to intensify its movement in the coming days if its demands are not accepted by the Union HRD Ministry at the earliest.