NU teachers renew demands

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): The Nagaland University Teachers’ Association has demanded the intervention and action of the Chief Rector of Nagaland University, also Governor of Nagaland, into a number of issues that has been plaguing the embattled university. The demands include fresh, free and impartial Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigations against the vice chancellor, appointment of pro-vice chancellors, acting-Registrar and Controller of Examination and‘re-advertisement’ of various posts as was advertised on December 2, 2010.
The NUTA’s central executives stated the demands in a representation addressed to the Chief Rector of Nagaland University.
The NUTA has reiterated its demand for a free, fresh and fair CBI probe into alleged corruption in the university. The NUTA said: “The false CBI report on corruption cases in Nagaland University is a travesty of justice and has made a mockery of the directives of the Visitor, the President of India.” All terms of reference, the association stated, except the case of the Controller of Examination, is not tenable.
“The NUTA has received a copy of the letter from the Rashtrapati Bhavan dated 10th September 2010, under the RTI Act, directing the MHRD to take appropriate action based on the NUTA representation dated August 2010, refuting and challenging the CBI false report. Therefore, we reiterate our demand for   justice and a fair, free inquiry in the interest of the University.”
Listing the demands, the NUTA demanded‘re-advertisement’ of the teaching and non-teaching posts as was advertised on December 2, 2010. The NUTA demanded “immediate readvertisement” of all teaching posts and for 4 Deputy Registrar’s posts. The advertisement was in serious violation of the mandatory Government of India Reservation Policy, the NUTA said.
“We demand that the various posts be re- advertised strictly indicating reservations for ST and other categories against the posts, in consonance with the Reservation Policy. The continuing action of the Vice Chancellor against the interest of the Scheduled Tribes and other reserved categories is highly questionable and unacceptable.”
The NUTA then reiterated its demand for appointment of pro-vice chancellors. The refusal to appoint Pro Vice Chancellors by the Vice Chancellor under vague excuses is unacceptable and in serious violation of the Nagaland University Act, the teachers said.
“The administrative failure and neglect to look after the needs of the two campuses of Kohima and Medziphema  in terms of academic necessities, basic amenities, transport, housing, development works and so on  is the result of the continuous absence of the Vice Chancellor  from station and absence of decentralizing of power and responsibilities which is a direct contravention of  the University Act.”
The NUTA also demanded appointment of an acting registrar. The Dr.P.H.Naik was forced to resign by the Vice Chancellor and he tendered his resignation on 15 November 2010, citing he “cannot work under the prevailing conditions”. However, till date, the resignation has not been accepted and the Executive Council in its 27th Meeting held on 18th January 2011 has resolved to set up a one man inquiry into allegations against Dr.P.H.Naik.
“In the light of these developments, the NUTA demands that the Vice Chancellor immediately appoints an Acting Registrar from among the senior most Professors for smooth running of the administration. The present arrangement of the Vice Chancellor in appointing the Finance officer to take dual charge of the Registrar’s post is illegal and against laid down rules, as no officer, including the Vice Chancellor, can hold two statutory posts. The NUTA also demands an early impartial inquiry into allegations against the said officer as well as the circumstances leading to his forced
resignation.”
The NUTA has also demanded appointment of Controller of Examination. The teachers demanded immediate appointment of a senior professor to take charge as Controller of Examination for smooth conduct of the university examinations, which commenced from February 22.
“It is highly questionable that the Vice Chancellor has not appointed an acting Controller of Examination in adherence to University rules and Ordinance. It must be noted that the Central Bureau of Investigation has sought prosecution sanction of the former Controller of Examination and the Executive Council has granted his prosecution and the University examination has been functioning without a Controller of examination. The NUTA demands immediate advertisement of the said post for regular recruitment.”
Among other demands, the NUTA called for appointment of Director of College Development Council, ‘readvertisment’ of teaching posts in SETAM in adherence of the national reservation Policy and implementation of the master plans for Kohima and Medziphema and withdrawal of the “illegal show cause notice’ to 7 teachers of SASARD.