Suspended Vice-Chancellor of The University of Delhi, Yogesh Tyagi relinquished his charge on Tuesday. He was suspended since last October over administrative lapses in his duties. As per DU officials, Tyagi is the first VC to be suspended in DU’s 100 years history.
He relinquished charge on the day when his 5-year term ended with a letter addressed to the University visitor, the President of India, the Chancellor of the University, the Vice-President of India, the Union ministry of education, and the DU administration. A report on allegations of shortcomings in his tenure was to be submitted on Tuesday, but it hasn’t been submitted yet. A Union Education Ministry official confirmed that the probe was still in continuation.
Tyagi’s shortcomings
The President Of India had ordered a visitorial inquiry in October last year when allegations against Tyagi had surfaced. The posts of Pro VC, Registrar, Finance Officer and Treasurer and many others were vacant. Faculty recruitment was also delayed despite meetings held by the Education Ministry. Teachers’ protest of 2019 over the reappointment of ad hoc teachers was mishandled in his tenure. He even went on an unauthorised leave of absence in July 2020. These were among the alleged lapses in his administration.
Tyagi had earlier written to The President asking for his suspension to be revoked and his term as the Vice-Chancellor to be reinstated. He claimed that the inquiry set up for probing into allegations against him was against the norms. He had also written to the visitor of the university regarding the revocation of his suspension.
Raj Kumar Bhatia who is currently Chancellor’s nominee in the Executive Council had written to the inquiry committee saying Tyagi’s suspension was illegal and recommended it be revoked. “Crucial provisions of the Act, Statutes and Ordinances have been altogether overlooked,” as per Bhatia’s letter. A senior University official confirmed that no reply was received regarding it.
New Vice-Chancellor?
The current acting Vice-Chancellor, PC Joshi who has been in-charge would continue to be so until the appointment of a new VC. The procedure for the appointment has started and more than a hundred academicians and professors have applied for the post.
The application process is closed and a further selection will be made by a search committee. The three-member committee will be made up of two members selected by the Executive Council (EC) of the university and one will be named by the ministry. The new VC will be appointed based upon the recommendations of this committee.
The administration is concerned as the day to day functioning of the university might be affected if there will be any more delay in the appointment of the new VC. “We hope that the ministry takes this up at the earliest,” said VS Negi, an executive council member of DU.
