Ajay Kumar Singh reinstated as PU vice-chancellor
Patna: Ajay Kumar Singh on Saturday rejoined as vice-chancellor of Patna University (PU), more than five months after he was sent on compulsory leave, following a notification issued by the chancellor’s secretariat. Singh had been asked to proceed on compulsory leave on Oct 17 last year by then chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan after complaints were received against him at Lok Bhawan.
Subsequently, senior teacher Namita Singh of city-based A N College under Patliputra University was appointed officiating vice-chancellor. A one-member inquiry committee headed by former Jharkhand high court chief justice Ravi Ranjan was also constituted to probe the allegations against Singh.
According to the notification issued on Saturday, the chancellor, after considering all documentary evidence, relevant legal provisions and the overall academic interest of the university, pardoned Singh for acts of omission and reinstated him to the post of vice-chancellor with immediate effect, while warning him not to repeat such lapses in future.
The charges against Singh included alleged disregard of statutory provisions and directions issued by the chancellor’s secretariat and the state education department, particularly in matters related to the renewal of guest faculty, and lack of sensitivity in complying with orders of higher authorities.
The inquiry committee, which submitted its report on Dec 18, had observed that Singh’s conduct was unbecoming of the office of vice-chancellor, describing his functioning as autocratic and prejudicial to the interests of the university. Based on the report, the chancellor’s secretariat issued a show-cause notice to Singh on Feb 3. In his reply, Singh expressed regret and stated that he never intended to disobey the chancellor’s directions or undermine the dignity of his office.
After assuming office, Singh said there would be no communication gap between the university administration and the chancellor’s secretariat in future. He added that he would run the university with the cooperation of all stakeholders in the interest of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.
Subsequently, senior teacher Namita Singh of city-based A N College under Patliputra University was appointed officiating vice-chancellor. A one-member inquiry committee headed by former Jharkhand high court chief justice Ravi Ranjan was also constituted to probe the allegations against Singh.
According to the notification issued on Saturday, the chancellor, after considering all documentary evidence, relevant legal provisions and the overall academic interest of the university, pardoned Singh for acts of omission and reinstated him to the post of vice-chancellor with immediate effect, while warning him not to repeat such lapses in future.
The charges against Singh included alleged disregard of statutory provisions and directions issued by the chancellor’s secretariat and the state education department, particularly in matters related to the renewal of guest faculty, and lack of sensitivity in complying with orders of higher authorities.
The inquiry committee, which submitted its report on Dec 18, had observed that Singh’s conduct was unbecoming of the office of vice-chancellor, describing his functioning as autocratic and prejudicial to the interests of the university. Based on the report, the chancellor’s secretariat issued a show-cause notice to Singh on Feb 3. In his reply, Singh expressed regret and stated that he never intended to disobey the chancellor’s directions or undermine the dignity of his office.
After assuming office, Singh said there would be no communication gap between the university administration and the chancellor’s secretariat in future. He added that he would run the university with the cooperation of all stakeholders in the interest of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.
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