Political parties committee urges to take action against Pandey

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, September 5, 2018: The Political Parties Committee of 10 has urged the state government to take action against Manipur University vice-chancellor Pandey for refuting extension of his leave with effect from September 1 given by the varsity authority until the enquiry over him is completed.

M. Nara of CPI said even though Manipur university is a central university it is the university for the people and students of Manipur. The varsity has resumed its normalcy after an agreement was brought with varsity community and the state and central government to conduct enquiry with the constitution of an independent enquiry committee. The varsity had been on strike for 85 days.

Ng. Bijoy of Manipur PCC reacted against Pandey for his appeal to HRD ministry to ban Manipur University Teachers’ Association and Manipur University Staffs’ Association. He said the Constitution permits formation of teachers and employees associations.

Manipur University vice-chancellor Adya Prasad Pandey yesterday said he has resumed his duty after completion of 30 days leave given by the HRD ministry to conduct enquiry over allegations against him.

Pandey said he has returned to his duty after completion of 30 days leave that began on August 2. He claimed that he has not received any letter for extension his leave.  He asked why the enquiry committee is not completed during the leave.

Addressing a news conference yesterday at his resident at officers’ colony Pandey said he has opened an office as he cannot enter his chamber in the varsity campus.

“I am ready to accept any enquiry if it is fully independent. The present enquiry committee is partial that its chairman is a relative of one of the spokespersons of Manipur University Teachers’ Association. I can’t accept this enquiry committee”, said Pandey.

The ministry had constituted an independent enquiry committee headed by a former acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, T. Nandakumar and former vice-chancellor of Tezpur University, M.K Choudhary as a member to probe the allegations levelled against Pandey. After the agreement was approved by the Union HRD minister, the varsity community suspended its agitation on August 23.

The agitation in the varsity was instigated by the teachers’ community. The students are good, but the masterminds in the issue are the teachers, said Pandey.

Pandey had also issued an order banning the Manipur University Teachers’ Association and Manipur University Staffs’ Association.

The committee of political parties also demanded that the government should schedule Assembly session to discuss the burning issues of Manipur including that of Naga Framework Agreement and the Manipur University issue. They say the varsity issue is not over yet and it has come to the critical juncture as Pandey denied leave extension.