DESAM writes to PM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 21 2024: The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has written to Prime Narendra Modi alleging irregularities at Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal.

In the letter signed by its president Mayengbam Somorjit Meetei, DESAM claimed that powerful individuals are exerting undue influence in the functioning of the university, including appointment of employees beyond the permissible age limit.

Claiming that former Dean of CAU, Imphal Professor Indira Sarangthem reached the 'mandatory' retirement age of 65 on July 31, 2024 and she was relieved from her post on that day (order issued by CAU Registrar Dr TR Sharma), DESAM alleged that another contradictory order was issued on the same day by the Registrar on the same day on behalf of CAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra to re-appoint Prof Indira as a Professor of Soil Science at the varsity.

DESAM further claimed that the decision to re-engage Dr Indira was based on the recommendation of a selection committee and approved by the Board of Management of CAU, Imphal .

The order 'inexplicably' assigned additional responsibilities of Dean in-charge and In-charge Director of Instruction of CAU, Imphal to Prof Indira, DESAM said and added "these actions constitute a blatant disregard for the university's rules and regulations" .

DESAM went on to state that the reputation of CAU, Imphal has been severely damaged by allowing a retired individual to hold influential positions apart from compromising the promotion prospects of deserving senior faculty members.

Stating that there are clauses under University Acts and Statutes, CAU Imphal which prohibit an individual who have reached the age of 65 from holding the positions of Dean and Director of Instruction, the student's organisation maintained that re-appointment of Prof Indira is not only illegal but also detrimental to the overall well being of the varsity.

DESAM claimed that the authority at CAU does not follow mandated norms of transfer and posting policy of teaching and non-teaching staff.

Any teacher/staff of CAU, Imphal who do not follow the whims of the authority or those who voice their dissent against the administration are given swift and punitive transfer.

"Such unfair transfer and posting policy is unacceptable," it said and added that some teachers have filed cases against the alleged nepostistic transfer and posting policy.

DESAM urged the Prime Minister to investigate the matter and take up a corrective action to uphold the integrity of the university.

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