By TNL Bureau
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29, 2018:: Panjab University in its Syndicate meeting held here today withdrew the powers delegated to Vice Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover.
Before the consideration of agenda, several Syndicate members asked the Vice Chancellor to withdraw his affidavit filed on April 17, 2018 in the Punjab & Haryana High Court in the CWP titled “Courts on its own vs PU”. The Vice-Chancellor reiterated his stand that he will inform the court that affidavit contained his personal comprehensions and he had not discussed these with the Syndicate prior to submission in the court. The Syndicate members were not satisfied and they responded by withdrawing the powers delegated to the VC by the Syndicate. One member, however, recorded dissent.
The Syndicate approved the appointment of Prof. Shankarji Jha, Deptt. of Sanskrit as new Dean of University Instructions w.e.f. 1.5.2018.
Syndicate approved rationalization and revision of fee structure for the session 2018-19 to achieve the task of augmenting the resources for constituent colleges and teaching departments of Panjab University which allows tuition fee hike of 10% for new admissions, 5% for the ongoing courses and reduction of fee for some self- financed courses.
The Syndicate approved the recommendations of JCM regarding the ratio of 25:75 filling up the posts of Deputy Registrars by open selection and seniority-cum-merit. The Vice Chancellor recorded his dissent since he desired the ratio to remain as 50:50.
The Syndicate principally agreed to the proposal of the students of MBA, UBS regarding generation of resources to improve academic facilities. However, it was deliberated to have a comprehensive proposal from UBS regarding new facilities to be provided.
The Syndicate unanimously decided to let the Dean International Students, Prof. Deepti Gupta, Chairperson, Deptt. of English to continue and to complete her term as DIS, as well till November 2018. Also, the extension of Prof. Emanual Nahar, USOL as Dean of Student Welfare (M) and Prof. Neena Caplash, Deptt. of Biotechnology, DSW (W) has been approved till 31st August 2018. Prof. Ranjan Kumar of Deptt. of Physics has been appointed as Associate DSW till 31.8.2018.
The Syndicate approved Prof. Parvinder Singh to continue as Dean College Development Council till new person is appointed. It was agreed to release an advertisement for the post of DCDC by 15th May 2018.
The Syndicate approved the extension of Dr. Devinder Dhawan, CMO, P.U. for a period of one year.
The Syndicate deliberated on a note from PUCASH regarding Senate proceedings dated April 1, 2018 with respect to faculty member of Department of Public Administration against whom various complaints on Sexual Harassment were received. PUCASH submitted that all the complaints be dealt collectively so as to corroborate and strengthen the case. PUCASH also opined that their recommendations be placed before the Syndicate/Senate. PUCASH gave a unanimous opinion that the action as recommended by the committee should be taken at the earliest. Failure to take action or delay in action implies a violation of the provisions of the Govt of India’s legislation.
PUCASH opined that PU, as one of the leading educational institutions of India, with a majority of female students, must uphold a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for sexual harassment. There must be no impunity for the offenders. PUCASH reiterated that any person found repeatedly indulging in such an offence must be dealt with strictly.
The Syndicate members unanimously endorsed the recommendations of PUCASH and proposed to hold meeting of Senate to discuss the opinion of PUCASH on 27th May 2018.