The student bodies asserted that without a regular and competent VC, this university, which was established with the objective of having an institution of higher education to provide technical education in the state will “go to the dogs”
TFM Desk
Six student bodies objected to the appointment of temporary vice chancellor of Manipur Technical University and urged the governor of Manipur to appoint a regular VC, failing which a PIL may be filed “to ensure that MTU is managed as per the law and not in violation of the law”.
The student bodies — AIMS, AMSU, DESAM, KSA, MSF, and SUK — submitted a representation to the governor on Thursday in this regard.
The student bodies also asserted that without a regular and competent VC, this university which was established with the objective of having an institution of higher education to provide technical education in the state will “go to the dogs”.
The student bodies listed the reasons for their objection to the proposed appointment of the former first VC of MTU as temporary VC after his retirement. It has been learnt that a proposal to fill up the temporary vacancy of VC of MTU by Prof Tombi had been moved and placed before the governor, which the student bodies argued is in violation of the law and guidelines laid down by the UGC.
Prof LaiphrakpamTombi Singh, the student bodies contended, was appointed as the first VC of MTU without any recommendations of the Selection Committee by the state government in violation of the Section 14 (1) read with the provision to this section of the MTU Act, 2019. On an RTI application filed, despite the State Information Commission ordering to furnish relevant records, the state government filed a petition before the High Court of Manipur which is still pending.
The student bodies further argued that since Prof Tombi has crossed 70 years of age, he cannot hold any office of the officers of any university, including that of the position of VC, as per the guidelines of UGC. Further under the Act, there is no provision for extending the tenure of the first VC. His reappointment as temporary VC in violation of the above may lead to the derecognition of MTU by the UGC, it added.
The student bodies also accused Prof Tombi of nepotism, favouritism and corruption at the highest level. During his tenure as the first VC he had committed a series of acts of commissions and omissions leading to a series of complaints and the present proposal smacks of nepotism. Rather than appointing regular teaching and non-teaching staff, he has the habit of going for contract appointment so that the recommendations do not go to the Executive Council for approval, it argued.
“There seems to be a nexus of influential persons behind him who took advantage of him as the VC, and in the interest of the university this needs to be nipped in the bud”.
At present the position of VC of MTU is looked after by the commissioner of Higher & Technical Education and the student bodies said this arrangement may continue and strong instruction may be given to the state government to fill up the vacant position of VC of MTU through the process laid down in Article 14 (1) of the MTU Act within a period of three months.
“This will not only save money but will be the correct step to run the university as per the extent of the law”.