Hojai, Oct 13: Allegations of irregularities involving the appointment, promotion and financial administration of Rabindranath Tagore University Vice-Chancellor Dr Manabendra Dutta Choudhury have triggered fresh public debate, with the Kutumba Suraksha Parishad (KSP) demanding his resignation and calling for an independent investigation.
At a press conference held on October 2, KSP central president Satya Ranjan Bora raised several questions concerning Choudhury’s academic career, eligibility for the Vice-Chancellor’s post and his alleged involvement in administrative and financial matters at Assam University, Silchar, and Rabindranath Tagore University in Hojai.
Bora urged the Assam government and the competent authorities to examine the allegations and take appropriate action in accordance with the law. He stated that representations had been submitted to the Chief Minister, the Education Minister and the Governor of Assam.
A major part of the allegations relates to proceedings before the Gauhati High Court concerning Choudhury’s promotion to the post of professor at Assam University. According to the documents referred to by Bora, an affidavit submitted by the university’s Registrar raised questions about the promotion process and called for a detailed investigation into matters relating to his appointment, promotion and the alleged misuse of university funds.
Bora also referred to observations reportedly mentioned in the affidavit regarding audit objections and alleged irregularities in official records. He claimed that the university had sought a detailed examination of the relevant matters before the court.
The allegations further concern the applicability of UGC regulations to Choudhury’s promotion. Bora stated that Choudhury joined Assam University as a lecturer in 2002 and questioned whether the required eligibility criteria and experience were fulfilled before his elevation to professor.
He also questioned the consistency of the PhD completion dates mentioned in two applications allegedly submitted by Choudhury during his academic career.
KSP also levelled allegations regarding Choudhury’s attendance at the university in Hojai, the execution of certain works without tender procedures, appointments in different departments and the administration of student admissions and fees. He questioned the PhD admission fee reportedly fixed at Rs 76,000, comparing it with fees charged by other universities in Assam.
Emphasising the importance of accountability in public institutions, KSP said that the allegations should be examined through an appropriate and transparent process.
The KSP has demanded Choudhury’s resignation and urged the competent authorities to take action after examining the allegations and relevant records.
Rabindranath Tagore University, located in Hojai town, was established by upgrading Hojai College and is named after Nobel laureate Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.