Rohtak university sacks faculty member, withdraws another’s PhD

The executive council (EC) of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has terminated the services of a faculty member, placed another teacher under suspension and withdrew the PhD degree of an assistant professor.

At a meeting held on Monday, the MDU executive council terminated the services of Dr Ashok Kumar, a faculty member at the university’s Institute of Management Studies and Research (IMSAR), who was found guilty of sexual harassment as per the findings of the internal complaints committee (ICC).

Another faculty member of IMSAR, Dr Aparna Bhardwaj, was placed under suspension following charges of non-compliance with her duties and teaching responsibilities.

In another decision taken at the meeting, the university council withdrew the PhD degree of Kultaj Singh, an Associate Professor in the department of physical education, in view of a recent decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The financial benefits given on the basis of the PhD degree shall also be recovered from Singh, the council maintained. The executive council also approved the promotions of several teaching and non-teaching staff of the university during the meeting.

With a view to promote Indian knowledge systems, the council approved the establishment of a Chanakya research chair to focus on the dissemination of the ancient Indian principles of governance, economy and ethics, as propounded by Acharya Chanakya.

“MDU reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, transparency, and gender sensitivity through key decisions taken in its executive council meeting held on June 30. The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Rajbir Singh, reflected the university’s commitment towards upholding institutional integrity and cultural responsibility,” an official statement issued by the university administration read.