ANCSU’s inquiry into fund utilisation for KAP devoid of merit and rationality, says CSU

Dimapur, Sep. 9 (EMN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) on Wednesday stated that the demand of All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) for setting up of inquiry commission of fund utilisation under AICTE NEQIP scheme at Kheloshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) is ‘devoid of merit and rationality’ as the scheme was implemented from 2014-2017 and the same was duly audited by Accountant General of Nagaland and found satisfactory.

In a representation to the chief secretary of Nagaland, the CSU stated that the scheme was implemented by two institutes in the state and the ANCSU has selectively chosen to target KPA with an ulterior motive.

“The KPA being the oldest institute in the state and the authorities having successfully implemented the project has qualified for the National Board Accreditation (NBA) through peer review which is a big achievement in itself. The achievement has now enabled the institution to take it to the next level and KPA can now move for up-gradation of the institute to full-fledged degree college which is a long cherished dream of the government of Nagaland.

“Besides, the institute is now entitled to apply any scheme under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) which is essential for the growth of the Institution as a Higher Institute of Learning. It will also not be out of context to mention here that KPA is the second Institute in the entire North East next to Sikkim to achieve such recognition by NBA. As evidenced from the foregoing, the demand of ANSCU is with vested interest to cover up the ongoing controversy of a junior officer given the officiating charge of HOD in Technical Education,” it read.

The CSU also alleged that every norm and procedure of the government service rules was flouted in handing and taking over the charge of HoD, Technical Education to Er. Lhoungu, OSD on August 31 on post retirement of Arjun Singh as the director.

“Er. Vipulhou was occupying a non sanction post of OSD and was placed in the third place in the seniority list of officers as published by the department Technical Education. Er. Razou Vizo, additional director is the senior most officer in the department who is suffering from brain tumor since 2003 and has undergone rigorous medical treatment and consequently is not able to discharge his duties for the last 15 to 16 years. Whereas, Er. Mhaseto Nakro, principal KPA is second in the seniority list of officers followed by Er Lhoungu. The government has however handed over the officiating charge HOD to Lhoungu much against the existing seniority lists of officers which is unethical and illegitimate,” it read.

Stating that the department has ‘scant regard for officiating promotions based on principles of seniority which showed discrimination, corruption, manipulation, nepotism and favouritism,’ the CSU said it will not remain a silent spectator.

The union requested the chief secretary to issue necessary directives to the department to correct the anomaly and restore rule of law