Student bodies oppose reinstatement of ex-MTU VC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 22 2021: Six student bodies - AIMS, AMSU, DESAM, KSA, MSF and SUK - have raised objection against the proposed appointment of former and first vice-chancellor of Manipur Technical University (MTU) as temporary VC after his retirement.

The student bodies submitted a memorandum to Governor Dr Najma Heptulla in this regard on Thursday with copies of the same forwarded to the chief minister and the education minister.

In the memorandum, the student bodies mentioned that professor Laiphrakpam Tombi Singh was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of MTU without any recommendations of the Selection Committee by the state government, which is violation of the Section 14 (1) read with the proviso to this section of the MTU Act, 2019 .

Consequent to an RTI application, the government filed a petition before the High Court of Manipur despite the State Information Commission ordering to furnish relevant records and the case is still pending.

In terms of Section 14 (5) of the Act, it has been learnt that proposal to fill up the temporary vacancy of VC of MTU by professor Tombi had been moved in violation of the law and guidelines laid down by the UGC.

Professor Tombi has attained 70 years of age and thus cannot hold any office of any University, including that of the position of VC, as per UFC guidelines.

Further, under the Act, there is no provision for extending the tenure of the first VC.

His reappointment as temporary VC in violation of the Act may lead to de-recognition of MTU by UGC, the memorandum cautioned.

During his tenure as the first VC, the professor had committed a series of acts of commissions and omissions leading to a series of complaints and the present proposal smacks of nepotism, it alleged, adding that rather than appointing regular teaching and non-teaching staff, he favoured contract appointment so that the recommendations do not go to the executive council for approval thereby underscoring nepotism, favouritism and corruption at the highest level.

The memorandum further said that there seems to be a nexus of influential people behind him who took advantage with him as the VC, and in the interest of the university this need to be nipped in the bud.

At present the position of VC of MTU is looked after by the commissioner of Higher & Technical Education and this arrangement may continue and strong instruction may be given to the state government to fill up the vacant position of VC of MTU through the process laid down in Article 14 (1) of the MTU Act within a period of three months.

This will not only save money but also will be the correct step to run the university as per the extent law.

Without a regular competent VC, the university which was established with the objective of having an institution to impart technical education in the state will go in vain, the memorandum said.

The student bodies then urged the Governor to ensure that the former first VC of MTU is not reinstated as 'temporary' VC in violation of the Act and UGC guidelines, which is still applicable in all universities.

They also urged the Governor to give strict instructions for appointment of a regular VC in the interest of the university and the students.

The memorandum also mentioned that they would file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) if their demand is not upheld so as to ensure that MTU is managed as per the law and not in violation of the law.

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