Manipur University Impasse: MUSU Rejects HRD Probe Panel, Demands High Level Independent Enquiry Committee

In the latest development to the on-going impasse of the Manipur University, the Union government has set up a probe committee to look into the allegations against Manipur University Vice-Chancellor, Aditya Prasad Pandey.

The probe panel, which has University Grants Commission (UGC) officer J. K. Tripathi and Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry officer Surat Singh as members, was constituted after the state government approached the HRD Ministry requesting for it.

Pandey is facing calls for resignation over allegations ranging from administrative negligence to misuse of varsity funds. He has claimed that the accusations are motivated and has refused to step down from his post.

Students had claimed that the VC only visits the campus 10 days a month, which causes a delay in a lot of administrative work of the University. The VC has also been accused of attempting to saffronise the university, along with administrative neglect and carelessness.

Speaking to Newsclick over this issue, Nimai Singh, who teaches in the Physics department of Manipur University said, "It started from 30 May and since 6 days we have been doing relay hunger strike against the corrupt VC and we have submitted memorandum to the President of India, Prime Minister and governor in this regard. He further added that the VC used to stay outside the campus 20 days in a month."

When asked that union government has set up a committee to look into the allegations, He rejected the HRD probe and said, "We are agitated here and we don't accept these things as it is against our wishes. We proposed that the Vice-Chancellor should resign immediately or be removed fast. If there is any enquiry committee then it should be headed by the high level independent inquiry committee or judicial headed by the retired High Court justice which are available in Manipur."

Nimai Singh, who is also a member of the Manipur University Teachers' Association (MUTA), further added that the people who are probing the matter are not members of the UGC and the committee’s decisions will not be accepted. So the protest will continue until their demands are met and the enquiry committee should discuss the development along with the teachers.

"Instead of ever listening to the grievances and demand of the students, HRD Ministry always stood on the side of VC professor Adya Prasad Pandey. As such, MUSU cannot trust any enquiry committee set up by the HRD Ministry, Nimai said.

Also Read: Manipur University Teachers and Students Go on a Strike, Demanding Resignation of the VC