New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has objected to the conferment of the title of Professor Emeritus on retired professor PR Kumaraswamy.
Kumaraswamy, who retired from JNU on Sept 30, had served as the vice-chancellor’s officer on special duty and later as director of the university’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). The allegations were based on investigations published by a media outlet on Aug 7, according to JNUTA. The association claimed that the procedure prescribed under Rule 32 of JNU’s Academic Rules and Regulations had not been followed and that the required documents were neither included in the agenda papers nor reflected in the minutes of the meeting.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
JNUTA said the honour had previously been conferred on only 15 individuals, whom it described as eminent academics and institution-builders with “unblemished institutional integrity”. It alleged that the proposal was introduced by vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit during an emergency meeting of the executive council on Sept 30 under “Any Other Item”, after she informed members that she had received the nomination from the dean of School of International Studies. Describing the move as “a brazen act of institutional favoritism”, JNUTA has appealed to Visitor, President of India, to revoke the Professor Emeritus status conferred on Kumaraswamy and order an independent, time-bound inquiry into both the allegations and the procedure adopted.
The teachers’ body alleged that the decision was taken without following the prescribed procedure and despite complaints seeking an inquiry into alleged irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotion. He was a professor at Centre for West Asian Studies in School of International Studies. Professor Emeritus is an honorary title conferred on retired professors in recognition of distinguished academic contributions and significant service to the university. The teachers’ body questioned the decision, alleging that the honour was conferred despite a complaint submitted by its executive committee to Central Vigilance Commission and JNU Executive Council seeking an inquiry into allegations against Kumaraswamy. It claimed the allegations could attract provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. JNUTA also questioned the procedure followed in granting the title. TOI reached out to vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for a response to the allegations and sought an update on the status of the complaint, but received no response. Kumaraswamy was also contacted for comment, but no response had been received until the time of going to press. Download the TOI App.