The Congress government in Punjab, which is busy cooking one'sor another'sgoose, who does not fall in their line, has now stooped to interfering in the academic field. It was not only sent chits to all ad hoc or other appointments but also succeeded in removing BJP-SAD appointee, Pro-VC of the Punjabi University, Patiala. The government did not bother about the code of conduct, which had already been in force.
Interestingly, the government turned a blind eye to the fact that the appointment of the Pro-VC is made by the Chancellor (the Governor) on the recommenda-tions of the government and as such the university has nothing to do with the appointment or terms of contract, except to implement the contract. But the letter of the abolition of the post was given to Pro-VC, Dr R.N. Pal by the Registrar who has no locus standi in this case.
Since the day Capt. Amrinder Singh has come to power, he has reportedly moved earth and heaven to remove the BJP-SAD appointees. He succeeded in removing the VC, a few days before the expiry of his term. Then he got rid of the Dean Academic, Dean Students? Welfare, Dean Colleges but failed to remove the Pro-VC, who had been holding a statutory position for three years. Rules were violated to see that even the officiating charge is not given to Dr R.N. Pal.
Earlier, the Principal Secretary of Education, N.S. Rattan was appointed VC, with the additional duties of Secretary of Education. He used to come for two days a week and the Pro-VC had a good equation with him and would do all work in his absence.
A search committee was appointed for locating a good VC. The government did not bother to wait for its recommendations and appointed a retired IAS, S.S. Boparai as new VC.
Dr Pal'scomplaint to the Governor did not have any effect. Even the request made by the BJP to the Governor fell on deaf ears. When all efforts to remove Dr Pal failed, his post was recommended to be abolished by the VC and the then CM.
Likewise, the government removed even Pro-VC of GNDU, Amritsar. Although no orders were served by the Governor (the appointing authority), the Registrar served him with the circular even though the code of conduct is already in force. Dr Pal has now approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The General Secretary of Punjab BJP, H.S. Grewal presented a memorandum pertaining to all omissions and commissions of the VC, S.S. Boparai to Governor, O.P. Verma. Instead of taking any action on that memorandum, the Governor has abolished the post of Pro-VC, who was an appointee of BJP-SAD government. (FOC)
