Manipur University agitation resumed as MHRD-order fails to uphold commitment
The Manipur University Community has been "compelled" to cancel its temporary suspension of agitation after HRD Ministry's fresh order "failed to uphold the commitment" on which stakeholders had reached a mutual agreement. Manipur University Teachers' Association spokesperson N Debananda told said it has been forced to resume the over 76-day long agitation, as the Ministry's new order does not mention critical points agreed upon.
Ministry's order does away with the most important point: Spokesperson
Debananda said the Ministry's order does away with "most important point" discussed in the August-16 Memorandum of Agreement that "during the period of inquiry and until follow-up action on the inquiry report by the competent authority, preferably within of 15 days, (Vice-Chancellor) Prof AP Pandey will be on leave." The directive, however, mentions Pandey will have to appear before the fact-finding committee when necessary.
We are shocked, disappointed and insulted, says Debananda
"We are shocked, disappointed and felt insulted after seeing the HRD Ministry order," Debananda said, adding, "As the Ministry did not abide by the agreement reached upon, the University Community, too, has decided to drop their commitment." The university students have been demanding Pandey's removal and constitution of an independent inquiry committee to look into allegations of administrative and financial lapses by the VC.
Agitation at university began on May 30
The agitation, which began on May 30, is being spearheaded by the University Community functioning under the aegis of Manipur University Students Union, Manipur University Teachers Association, and Manipur University Staffs' Association. The impasse, which began from May 30 last, has affected the academic activities in the Central varsity, as well as prevented the declaration of the exam results for final year college students.
Agreement reached to temporarily suspend protest in public, student interest
Debananda said the agreement reached to temporarily suspend the protest from August-17 onwards was in public and student interest to facilitate the pending declaration of examination results. Debananda expressed resentment that the word "independent" mentioned in the MOA has been "completely skipped" in the new order, and it doesn't mention that copies of the final report will be made available to the protesting bodies.
Former acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC part of committee
According to the order issued by the HRD Ministry, former acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court T Nandakumar Singh and Professor MK Choudhury, former Vice Chancellor of Tejpur University, will comprise the Committee. It will have to submit a report within a one-month beginning August 17 and can visit the varsity offices to inspect documents and record statements.
