Fate of Manipur University in dire straits
More irregularities found (Part -1)
Source: IT News

Imphal, January 22 2020: Imphal Times special team conducted a thorough investigation on what has been happening in the Manipur University after the suspension of VC AP Pandey.

The team found more financial misappropriation and irregularity being underway in the University administrative affairs.

Today, Imphal Times reveals on how the Bullet Proof vehicle of AP Pandey was bought and where is that vehicle at present.

According to a news report appearing in a newspaper, the University authority was quoted as suspended Vice Chancellor Prof AP Pandey purchased a bullet-proof car at the cost of Rs 59 lakhs.

And said that no amount has been sanctioned for the purchase of the bullet proof vehicle.

This according to the findings of the Imphal Times is a blatant lie.

Fate of Manipur University in dire straits

According to official documents with the Imphal Times, procured by our special investigation team, the Bullet Proof vehicle was purchased from the money sanctioned by the University Grant Commission under the General Development Assistance Scheme during (GDA) XII plan.

The financial assistance was provided for improvement of infrastructures and basic facilities of the University.

As per the scheme guidelines, the financial assistance could only be utilized for improvement of Infrastructures, students' amenities, health Centre, Central Library, Campus development, Equipment, Innovative Research Activities, non-teaching and teaching staffs and New Extension Activities and Outreach programme.

Imphal Times special team found that the University incurred an expenditure of Rs 20,86,560/- on payment of 90% of the total bill of Rs 23,18,400/- for bullet proof armouring of Toyota Fortuner vehicle.

The expenditure was met from financial assistance under the General Development Assistance Scheme, which is not admissible.

What is more interesting is that the Bullet proof vehicle is still lying unused at the quarter of Prof AP Pandey at Officer Colony Sanjenthong in Imphal East.

It is almost one year and 3 months now, that the Manipur University does not have a regular Vice Chancellor after Prof.AP Pandey has been put under suspension for alleged misappropriation of University fund.

Jarnail Singh, IAS , who had year long experience in administration in Manipur , who has been appointed as Administrator of the Manipur University and to deliver his service as in-charge Vice Chancellor continue to hold the office for over 1 year and 3 months.

October 11, 2018, Jarnail Singh took charge of the Administrator and render his service as Vice Chancellor of the University as an interim arrangement until the Ministry of Human Resource Department restored Prof.AP Pandey as VC or appoint a new one based on the report of the two member inquiry committee investigating the financial misappropriation alleged by the Manipur University community.

The findings of the two member independent enquiry committee headed by former acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, T Nandakumar (Chairman) and MK Choudhary, former vice-chancellor of Tezpur University (member) had already submitted their findings to the MHRD, but for reason best known to the authority the report has not been made public and neither the MHRD acted the needful as per the finding.

After suspension of AP Pandey, Pandey still continues to enjoy the designation of Vice Chancellor Manipur University and as per government rules he is enjoying all benefit including financial benefits till today.

Rumours are talking around that AP Pandey is likely to come back as the VC before superannuation in 2021.He will then recover all the due during his suspension period is what has believed by many.

Interpretation of the ruling of the Manipur High Court in appointing Administrator to look and act as Vice Chancellor was appreciated.

Saying so, whether an unqualified person for the post of VC , which was arranged on interim can exercise the power of a full-fledged Vice Chancellor is a big question.

This is being asked as there has been many post appointed in the Manipur University during his tenure.