PM petitioned for correcting irregularities at CAU
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 21 2024: Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting to look into the irregularities prevailing at Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal.

In the memorandum, DESAM president Mayengbam Spmorjit Meitei stated that Central Agricultural University, Imphal is a prestigious institution with a vital role in North Eastern region, overseeing approximately 13 agriculture and allied sectors.

Unfortunately, there is growing concern that powerful individuals are exerting undue influence on the university including in the appointment of employees beyond the permissible age limits as outlined in the University's Rules and Regulations.

He alleged that College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal former dean Prof Indira Sarangthem reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 years on July 31, 2024 and was relieved from her post on that day following standard procedures.

However, a contradictory order was issued by the registrar on behalf of CAU, Imphal vice chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra and re-employed Prof Indira Sarangthem as professor of Soil Science at CAU.

Imphal effective from August 1, 2024 or upon joining initially for a period of six months or until further notice.

The decision was reportedly based on the recommendation made by a selection committee and approved by the Board of Management.

Furthermore, the order inexplicably assigned additional responsibilities of dean in-charge and director of instruction in-charge, he continued, while asserting that the actions constitute a blatant disregard for the University rules and regulations.

Allowing a retired individual to hold such influential positions also severely damaged the reputation of the university and morale of faculty and staff is undermined, he added.

He also alleged that the CAU authorities do not follow the mandated norms of a well-defined transfer policy in posting of teaching and non-teaching staff of the university.

Any teacher/staff who does not follow the whims of the authority are threatened to be transferred to another campus.

Such grossly unfair and discriminatory transfer and posting is unacceptable.

Further, some teachers also filed cases in the relevant courts against the alleged nepotistic transfer and posting policy.

Somorjit urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to investigate the matter immediately and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.

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