DESAM opposes reappointment of retired professor
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 04 2024: Democratic Students' Alliance Manipur (DESAM) has opposed recent reappointment of a superannuated faculty member at the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, citing deliberate violation of the University's rules and regulations.

DESAM has called for the immediate rescission of the reappointment order and threatened to launch agitation if their demands are not honoured within five days.

Addressing a press meet at its Kwakeithel office, DESAM president Mayengbam Somorjit pointed out service tenure of Prof Indira Sarangthem, the former dean of the College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal, ceased on July 31, 2024.Despite superannuation of service, Prof Indira has been reappointed as dean of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, and director of instruction, CAU, Imphal, until further notice or until the ongoing dispute over the University's rules and regulations is resolved.

However, DESAM asserted such reappointment is clear violation of the University's established policies, particularly given that Prof Indira has already reached the age of 65 and raised concern about re-engagement of a superannuated faculty member in key administrative positions, especially when there is a long list of senior professors eligible for these roles.

While DESAM acknowledged that re-engagement in an academic capacity could be permissible, it argued that holding administrative positions such as dean, director, or head of department after retirement is not acceptable under the University's regulations.

The students' organisation vowed to pursue the matter through submission of a memorandum to the union minister on Monday.

DESAM also set the University administration five-day ultimatum to rescind the reappointment order, failing which they will initiate a series of agitations to protest what they See as an unlawful and unjust decision.

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