By ARFAT KHAN
JAMMU: The estrange decision of Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof Manoj Kumar Dhar to appoint a graduate engineer as Director Centre for IT Enabled Services and Management (CITESM) in Department of Computer Science and Information Technology has raised eye brows of everyone in the campus.
Rumours are also doing the rounds in campus that this choicest arrangement has been made to utilise Rs 5 crore RUSA grant for revamping the outmoded networking in the campus prior to March 2021 in hush hush manner as per the wishes of the masters.
While the controversial appointment is perceived as grave insult by the teaching faculty of JU, the administrative set up in the camps has termed incarnation of Anik Gupta as Director sans requisite qualifications as blatant violation of university rules.
Pertinent to mention here that Er Anik Gupta was appointed as Director CITESM vide order No Estab/20/8263-8362 dated 23/10/2020 and the beneficiary in a hurry was made to joined same day after closure of university hours at 5.30 in the evening.
Sharing a copy of the missive dashed by one professor to the Registrar JU asking for constitution of an enquiry to investigate the meteoric elevation of Er Anik in the JU, an official of Registrar office preferring anonymity said “Twelve allegations made in the letter holds substantial weight and it exposed the sordid tale of nepotism prevailing in functioning of JU to shower undue favour upon blue eyed employees known for ‘Yes Boss’ syndrome.
Surprisingly, instead of coming clear on the missive of the aggrieved professor, the VC Prof Dhar prefers to play game of hide n seek on the serious matter which has projected the university in bad taste in the society, said a Professor considered close confident of VC.
It’s surprising to see that a person, who was appointed as Project Manager in Department of Physics rise to the rank of scientist Grade G in just 15 years without any exemplary innovation and contribution, said JU sources.
Subsequently, he was bestowed with Professor Grade in his personal capacity at non gazetted level allegedly in violation of varsity Act in 2006 during the tenure of Prof Amitab Mattoo, added sources.
Miracle happened twice in the history of Jammu University. First, when possessing a graduate degree Anik Gupta promoted to Professor Grade in 2006 by the then VC Prof Amitabh Mattoo.
Second, when incumbent VC Prof Dhar appointed him as Director knowingly well that the beneficiary is merely a graduate in B.Tech.
University norms clearly states that PhD is compulsory qualification for promotion as Professor. In addition, the candidate required to submit the publications and research papers for scrutiny of expert committee before finally being interviewed by a panel headed by VC.
In case of Anik Gupta, the authorities have repeatedly violate the laid down norms so as to accord him the desired growth, said one Professor who earlier also served as Registrar JU. There is no such scheme under which a Graduate can be promoted to the rank of Scientist. G Grade and then appointed as Director in JU, said another Processor who also remained as Registrar in JU.
“The post of Director CITESM is equivalent to the Head of the Department in University and it’s no less than a wonder that a simple engineering graduate was appointed by the VC for this post without application of mind” said an official of Registrar office.
JKGN efforts to seek view of VC Prof Manoj Dhar on the issue fails to materialised as he didn’t responded to our calls.