Ravenshaw Bachao Manch demands probe, submits memo to Odisha Guv

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 25:

Demanding an independent probe into the alleged irregularities and illegal activities in Ravenshaw University, the Ravenshaw Bachao Manch on Wednesday submitted related documents, evidences and a memorandum to the Odisha Governor S C Jamir.

A five member team headed by Congress MLA Prakash Chandra Behera, met the governor and submitted the memorandum with UGC notifications, AG audit report, evidences of various illegal activities in the university and High Court verdict to the governor.

According to the committee, there are major irregularities in the appointments of Lecturers, Readers and Pofessors in the Ravenshaw University. They have alleged that the UGC rule of at least 8 years experience in teaching or research for appointment as Reader have been overlooked in the appointment of  Kumar Siddharth, Keshav Bharadwaj, Jay Prakash Das and Madhumita Das.

They have further alleged that while the vacancy advertisement in the newspaper had been taken out in February 23, 2011, the selection process had already taken place on December 2, 2009 and August 21, 2010.

They have further alleged that in clear violation of the rules, Madhumita Das and Santani Behera, who do not have a PhD degree or NET qualification, have been appointed as contractual lecturers. While, Luna Samat and Urmi Shri Vedamata are teaching in the English department without NET or PhD degrees, Srikant Jena, who has a graduation degree in Botany and a post graduation in Biotechnology has been appointed as a lecturer in Zoology.

Appointed without NET or PhD degrees, these five teachers have been paid Rs 60 lakh till now, according to AG audit report, they have alleged.

Other allegations are that a girl with less than the mandatory 55 per cent marks has been allowed to pursue research as a personal favour in the English department. Besides, intimate pictures of the department head with the girl in Puri beach have been submitted to the governor.

Pointing out instances of financial irregularities in the university, they have alleged that there are instances were parties with higher quotation amount have been granted the tender. Computers have been brought in the university without any tender.

The Manch said that the Governor has assured them that he will call the Vice Chancellor and ex-vice Chancellor within a week to discuss the matter.