MU embroiled in yet another shady dealings
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 19 2010: Already reeling under the knock on its credibility and reputation, following different financial scandals for which the CBI and the Vigilance Department have started their own indepedent investigation in addition to misuse of income tax amounts which was unearthed recently, strong suspicion has been raised that authorities of Manipur University may be involved in faulty and anomalous recruitment process while appointing the Registrar.

According to a reliable source, the First Registrar was re-appointed to the post of Registrar on July 17 as the same post became vacant.

Always in the wrong news, with MU students protesting and the grand gate of the varsity

It is reported that the mode of appointment was in total violation of the stipulated recruitment rules and the MU authority never bothered to look for competent candidates. On the other hand, the term of the First Registrar expired on July 16 .

According to office order number 279 issued by the Deputy Registrar in-charge on July 14, the First Registrar would take over the charge of Registrar with effect from July 17 until further order is issued by the Vice Chancellor under statute number 6 (4) of the university or a new Registrar is appointed on regular basis.

However, Section 47 (B) of the Manipur University Act 2005 clearly lays down that Visitor would appoint First Registrar and First Finance Officer for a term of three years over ruling all other Acts and statutes.

As Section 47 (B) overrules statute 6 (4), the VC has no authority to re-appoint the First Registrar for another three years.

It is further reported that many of the MU officials and staff were taken by surprise with the re-appointment of the First Registrar by invoking statute 6 (4) in total violation of the Manipur University Act.

As the term of the First Registrar was coming to an end, advertisement was published on March 12 this year for appointment of the Registrar, Controller of Examinations and the Finance Officer.

Though the advertisement was published, no further action was taken to fill the vacant posts.

While no explanation was given for abruptly stalling the recruitment process, the MU authority issued the re-appointment order of the First Registrar whose term had already expired.

This order issued in total contradiction to all relevant rules has caused much resentment in the academic circle of the university.

Some are even apprehensive that such faulty and unwarranted recruitment would affect university's administration.

Taking serious note of the prevailing situation, due preparations have been to lodge a complaint with the President of India and the Governor who happened to be Visitors of Manipur University, conveyed the source.

Even though it is understood that the VC being authority of the university should ensure as per statute number 3 (3) that all the acts, statutes, ordinances and regulations are complied with, the VC has been acting on the contrary.

This has bred deep concerned and surprise among intellectual circle of the university.

Nevertheless, all discrepancies and activities that defy or not compatible with the University Act, statutes and ordinances can be annulled by the Visitor under Section 9 (11) of the University Act.

If the situation demands, a complaint would be filed with the President of India against re-appointment of the Registrar.

Already, Manipur University has been in the news for manipulation of tender for contract works and misuse of income tax amounts.

With the rot now spreading to the academic section, Manipur University is fraught with controversies and scandals.