Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 02:
Capitalising on the imminent conversion of Manipur University to a Central varsity service period of two MU professors are said to have been extended inspite of service superannuation of the duo.
Even though Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had on November 20 last announced MU's elevation and necessary processes set into motion technically the University is still very under the State Government ambit, said a source.
As the University is under the purview of State extension of service of the two professors by another two year is clear violation of existing service regulation, explained the source while reminding that as per current rules and regulations retirement age is limited at 60 years.
However, the two professors are said to have crossed the permissible period id February this year, the source disclosed and added that the two are serving in Life Science and Physics departments.
Elaborating on the ongoing processes for elevation of MU, the source informed of Planning Commission of India approving and subsequent release of Rs 10 crore for infrastructural development so as to achieve conditions necessary for a Central university.
In no way could MU be considered as a Central varsity as of now inspite of the Union Cabinet approving the conversion which nevertheless requires further consent of the Parliament and then assent of the President of India, detailed the source.
Stating that as per service conditions practised in Central universities at present age of superannuation of a professor is 62 years and such rules might have emboldened MU authorities to extend service period of the two professors, it assumed.
Mention may be made that according to the 1999-2000 revised pay scale regulated by University Grant Commission the Finance Department had issued an order pertaining to service period of professors of State controlled university to cease at 60 years.
Moreover, Manipur Govt had rejected intimation of MU authorities to extend service period till 62 years with the former even issuing strong instructions to strictly adhere to the State Govt regulation.