PU VC appoints new DSWs

Amarjot Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 23

Panjab University today released a circular dated August 22, the same day on which the Senate meeting ended post 6 pm, announcing the new Dean Student Welfare (men) and Dean Student Welfare (women).

The newly appointed DSW (men) Jagat Bhushan, PrincipaI-cum Professor, Dr HS Judge Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, is presently on leave. The circular reads: “In terms of the Senate decision taken in the meeting (Agenda Item-7) held today, the VC has ordered that the charge of the DSW (Men) will be held by Professor Jagat Bhushan, PrincipaI-cumProfessor, Dr HS Judge Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, in addition to his own duties, in place of Professor Emanual Nahar, University School of Open learning, PU, with immediate effect till further orders. Till the time Professor Jagat Bhushan remains on leave, this charge will be held by Professor Hemant Batra, the officiating Principal of the institute.”

The VC has also ordered that the charge of Dean Student Welfare (Women) will be held by Professor Nandita Singh, Department of Education, and Dean, International Students, in addition to her own duties, in place of Prof Neena Caplash, Department of Biotechnology, with immediate effect till further orders.

Yesterday, during the senate meeting, 48 fellows submitted a memorandum to the VC, expressing dissent over not being allowed to vote as per the provisions of the PU Calender for the extension of the appointment of DSWs and Asst DSW. The VC did not recommend the names of the new DSWs and Assistant DSW in the Syndicate and Senate.

Senator Ashok Goyal said: "The VC is all out to create anarchy in the university by openly flouting the rule book in passing orders in defiance of the legitimate decisions of the governing body. It is absolutely false that any such decision was taken in the meeting of the Senate.

Fellow DPS Randhawa said: "The VC's behaviour yesterday was undemocratic. The two main questions here are why didn't the VC voice the reservations he had against the incumbent DSWs and the second one is that why weren't the new names suggested in the Senate meeting, especially when the meeting went on till 6pm.”