Recognition to EIILM, CMJ varsity on agenda

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7

The issue of recognition to the Eastern Institute of Integrated Learning in Management (EIILM), Sikkim, and CMJ University, Meghalaya, will come up for discussion again before the Syndicate meeting on December 10.

Akashdeep Singh, a student had, had sought admission in MA Social Work in 2016-17 on the basis of his graduation from the EIILM. The PU was to take decision on his case. The EIILM was established by an Act of State Legislature of Sikkim as a private university. When the issue came to the Syndicate for discussion on January 21, the issue of CMJ University, Shillong, Meghalaya, was also discussed, and it was decided that the cases of both universities be brought again.

The PU in an order dated August 14, 2013, had clarified that degrees awarded by CMJ University, irrespective of year of degree awarded, should be deemed as derecognised with effect from the session 2013-14. But later, the order was declared not sustainable in the eyes of law. Vide a letter dated July 11, 2017, it was intimated that degrees of CMJ University be recognised till session 2015-16 as per the recommendation of the committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor.

There was an issue of approval of appointments of Dr Mandeep Josan and Dr Gagandeep Brar who had obtained their PhD degrree from CMJ University in 2012. After opinion from advocate Dr Anmol Rattan Sidhu, their appointments were approved by the university.

Regarding the EIILM, a letter to all departments and affiliated colleges, dated July 11, 2017, was sent for derecognition of degrees from the varsity with effect from 2014-15 onwards.

CMJ University

The Meghalaya Government issued show-cause notices to CMJ University in November, 2013, and January, 2014, on mismanagement, maladministration, indiscipline and failure in the accomplishments of the objectives. The state government without compliance of provisions under the CMJ University Act, 2008, issued order dated March 31, 2014, for dissolution.

CMJ University challenged the dissolution before the High Court of Meghalaya which set aside the show-cause notices and dissolution in 2015. The state government filed SLP before the apex court in 2016, but later withdrew it.

In an official note prepared by Dean Law Anu Chatrath and chairperson Law Department Shalini Marwaha, dated February 24, it was stated that in the list of self-styled, fake universities displayed by the UGC, the name of CMJ University did not figure.

Resolution for webcasting of proceedings

The Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) is asking for webcasting of all proceedings of the Senate, Syndicate and Board of Finance. The coming meeting of Syndicate on December 10 will discuss the resolution of PUTA president Prof Rajesh Gill and PUTA secretary Prof JK Goswamy for webcasting of proceedings for complete transparency in governance. They have further demanded, "The DVDs/audios of proceedings of all meetings which are videographed/audio-recorded should be supplied to any teacher on his or her request immediately.”