Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 3 (EMN): Granting leave for one-month to Vice Chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey of Manipur University amid demand for his removal over alleged financial and administrative irregularities evoked sharp reaction from the University community.
Reacting to the order, President Jibankumar of Manipur University Staffs Association (MUSA) said the order was contradictory to the service rules and also it did not mention the reason for the leave etc.
Manipur University Teachers Association (MUTA) Secretary Prof Lisam Sanjukumar said that the varsity community opposed giving leave to Pandey when the state is agitating for his ouster since the past two months.
Informing that W Vishwanath has already declined performing the duty of the vice-chancellor, he alleged that HRD ministry is deceiving the public, jeopardising the career of thousands of students.
On Thursday, Registrar in charge M Shyamkesho Singh of the Manipur University issued an order to grant leave for one month from August 2, 2018 to Prof Pandey as authorised by the HRD Ministry.
As per the statute 2(6) of the Manipur University Act, 2005, the senior most Professor shall perform the duties of the VC if the office of the VC becomes vacant, the order said. W Vishwanath Singh was the senior most Professors.
The academic activities at the central university have been under suspension since May 30 after Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) launched indefinite shutdown demanding removal of Prof Pandey. He has been charged over 15 allegations of financial and administrative irregularities, including regular “unofficial” tours and violation of the university act.
On July 17, the ministry had re-constituted fact finding committee by including a retired judge of high court of Meghalaya following request from state Chief Minister N Biren led delegation.
Meanwhile police prevented a proposed silent protest rally by leaders of various political parties including the opposition Congress and communist at Kakwa near Manipur University on Friday afternoon.
Later the leaders of political parties participated in the ongoing relay hunger strike by the MUSU, MUTA and MUSA at the gate of University as part of showing solidarity to the varsity community.
