Row over Rohtak's MDU executive council meet exposes govt-VC face-off

The controversy surrounding the 304th executive council (EC) meeting of Maharshi Dayanand University on Wednesday has drawn statewide attention, bringing to the fore apparent “differences” between the state government and Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh.

According to sources, the dispute centres on agenda items, including the confirmation of minutes of the previous EC meeting held last month, during which appointments of 11 teachers were approved. The earlier meeting was reportedly held despite the state government’s advice to reschedule it.

“Interestingly, the state government had, on January 14, instructed the university not to issue any appointment orders or allow new joinings without prior approval until a decision was taken. However, the university went ahead and issued appointment letters to selected candidates in different departments. To complete the appointment process, the minutes of the 302nd EC meeting needed confirmation, which was placed on the agenda of the 304th EC meeting, making it highly controversial,” sources said. However, an MDU official claimed that no EC member raised any objection to the approval of the appointments, hence the confirmation was merely a procedural formality.

The development reportedly widened the “differences” between the government and the university. On February 17, a day before the 304th EC meeting, the state directed the university to postpone the meeting until further orders. Notably, the meeting was scheduled just two days before the completion of Prof Rajbir Singh’s second three-year term.

“While the state government is yet to take a final decision on these appointments, the university administration was determined to complete the appointment process by confirming the minutes of the previous EC meeting. This led to a confrontation-like situation, forcing the Governor’s office to step in,” said a faculty member on condition of anonymity.

He added that the row also led to the suspension of Registrar Dr Krishan Kant, who had reportedly urged EC members not to attend Wednesday’s meeting, citing the government’s directive to defer it. However, the Governor revoked his suspension within 12 hours.

Sources further claimed that promotion cases of several teaching and non-teaching staff were included in the agenda of the 304th EC meeting. Disciplinary action against some faculty members believed to be part of an anti-establishment group was also expected to be discussed.

The timing of the meeting, its agenda, the alleged non-compliance with the government’s directive and the Governor’s intervention have become subjects of intense discussion in academic circles across the state.

Responding to the controversy, Prof Ashish Dahiya, Director (PR), MDU, clarified that the EC meeting was convened under the statutory powers vested in the Vice-Chancellor under the University Act. At no stage was there any intention to disregard any authority, he said, adding that the university examined the matter in light of its statutory autonomy before proceeding.

“The University is an autonomous statutory body governed by its own Act and Statutes. While the guidance of the Directorate of Higher Education is respected and considered, decisions relating to the functioning of statutory bodies such as the EC are taken in accordance with the provisions of the University Act and applicable regulations,” he maintained.

Prof Dahiya further said that the timing of the meeting was linked to ongoing administrative and academic processes. “There was no extraordinary or personal urgency involved. Routine governance matters cannot be kept in abeyance merely due to the nearing completion of a term, as continuity of administration is essential for the smooth functioning of the University,” he added.