UP Governor restrains 2 VCs from discharging duties

Lucknow, Aug 12 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar has restrained the vice-chancellors of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University, Gorakhpur from discharging their duties.

While VC of Agra, Professor A S Kukla was restrained from his duties after the Governor accorded sanction for his prosecution in a criminal case, Gorakhpur university VC Prof Arun Kumar was punished following several complaints about financial,administrative and academic irregularities.

In two separate orders issued yesterday by the Raj Bhawan, the Governor has directed Dr Bhumitra Deo, former VC of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly to discharge the duties of the Agra VC. The seniormost professor of the Gorakhpur University A K Mittal has been asked to perform the functions of the VC till further order.

According to a Raj Bhawan press statement here today, Senior Superintendent of Police(SSP) Agra had sought prosecution of Prof Kukla in connection with a criminal case under section 306,342 and 330 of the IPC registered in Hari Parbat police station in 2005.

On police investigation, prima-facie charges have been found against the VC after which the sanction for prosecution was sought from the Rajbhawan.

Action against Gorakhpur University VC was taken after serious complaints about irregularities in admission in BEd courses in the colleges affiliated to the University were received.

On May 23, 2007, the Allahabad High Court had directed the state's Higher Education to conduct a detailed enquiry into the entire episode of irregularities in the B Ed admission and if there are facts resulting in criminal liablity, suitable action in this regard may be initiated. The HC, in another petition, had asked the Gorakhpur University VC to show cause as to why recommendation should not be made to the chancellor to consider as to whether the continuance of the present incumbent on his post is in the interest of the university or not.

The chancellor had ordered a enquiry against the Gorakhpur University VC, appointing the Commissioner, Gorakhpur Division as Enquiry Officer, who was to submit his report within two months after serving the chargesheet and giving sufficient opportunity to the VC to present his side.

UNI