RSS background, links with Smriti Irani helps man become chairman of NIT Nagpur?

New Delhi, Nov 7: After the HRD ministry decided to look into a demand by a RSS-linked group from Madhya Pradesh for separate canteens for vegetarians in IITs, now the same ministry headed by Smriti Irani has reportedly appointed a man the chairman of the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur because of his RSS background.

As per an Indian Express report, "Days after he congratulated Smriti Irani on assuming charge as Human Resource Development Minister and sent her a job application with the reminder that he was an "RSS person" at whose Nagpur house she once had a "brief stay", Vishram Jamdar was named chairman of the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur."

As per the daily's report, in a letter to Irani on May 28 - two days after she was sworn in as Union Minister - Jamdar wrote: "During your brief stay at our place in Nagpur & subsequent meeting in BJP office at Delhi, myself and my family members found an exceptional personality in you. We are all sure that under your able leadership the Ministry of HRD will achieve higher goals in respective field of HRD."

"I have enclosed my resume along with this letter & take this opportunity to give some more details, with specific focus on the tenure of a Member, Board of Governors, VNIT Nagpur during 2002 till 2012," he wrote.

In the letter, he referred to his RSS background. "Being recognised as RSS person I could remain there in VNIT Nagpur as BOG member in spite of the fact that Mr Arjun Singhji was HRD Minister during that period. This may probably speak of my work in VNIT Nagpur."

"With this background I earnestly feel to render my services as the Chairman of this college for the development & upgradation of this college. Incidentally the tenure of the present Chairman is also over in the month of May 2014 only. If given an opportunity as a Chairman VNIT Nagpur I shall be working whole heartedly & intimately for the Institute as I take it as my Vidya Mandir," Jamdar informed Irani.

As per the VNIT's website, "His (Jamdar's) association with VNIT proved to be an asset to the Institute. Serving as a member of Board of Governors (of VNIT) for ten years (2002-2012), contributed in taking major decisions for the development of VNIT. His inclination for development in education sector also fetched an honour to work as a member and later as a Chairman, Governing Board of Government Polytechnic, Nagpur, for the period of 18 years. Being a President of Dharampeth Education Society, Nagpur, Mr. Vishram Jamdar had an honour to be a Chairman of Dharampeth Polytechnic, Nagpur (2010-2013).

He may be qualified enough to get the post, but the letter shows how Jamdar he tried to influence Smriti Irani by telling about his political connections and links with the RSS to get the job.

The IE report also states that for the purpose of filling up the vacancy the HRD ministry had already shorlisted four names and forwarded it to Irani for her suggestion. In this list, Jamdar's name was not there. But, Irani sent Jamadar's name as the only option to the President for nomination which was later approved on September 15.

When Irani and her office was contacted to inquire about the same by the daily, they reportedly did not respond to phone calls and SMS texts.

OneIndia News