Sirsa varsity harassment row: 2nd woman prof files complaint in a week
A second woman professor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, has filed a workplace harassment complaint against Dr Ashok Kumar Makkar, chairperson of the law department.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Makkar termed the ordeal a “conspiracy” to remove him from the chairperson’s post, and questioned why complaints were surfacing now, after years of service.
The professor, in her letter to the university’s Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, alleged mental harassment, humiliation and unfair treatment.
She claimed that she was removed from exam duty without reason, denied exam assignments despite being in the official WhatsApp group, and paid less than her colleagues, drawing Rs 27,000 per month under the Sixth Pay Commission, while others received Rs 57,700 under the seventh.
She also accused the administration of forcing her to sign an affidavit with misleading terms about her contract, which she said violated university policies.
Her complaint includes past incidents such as false allegations, poor performance reports and withholding salary for 11 months.
She claimed the harassment continued even after the High Court stayed her termination.
This is the second such complaint in a week.
Earlier, a part-time woman teacher, who is eight months pregnant, accused Dr Makkar of mental harassment. A case in this regard is under investigation under the SC/ST Act.
Dr Makkar, in his response, said the professor had previously been terminated due to unsatisfactory work conduct, and only rejoined after obtaining a stay from the High Court.
He said he had not received the official complaint yet, and would give a complete response only after reviewing it. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Narsi Ram Bishnoi did not respond to repeated calls and messages regarding the matter.
Adding to the pressure, students from the law department have written to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, demanding Dr Makkar’s suspension.
They allege repeated incidents of harassment and misuse of power by the chairperson, and say they fear that he may influence the ongoing inquiry if allowed to remain in office.
