HRD Ministry asks Pondicherry University VC to go on leave

PUDUCHERRY: Union HRD Ministry Ministry has asked the Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University Chandra Krishnamoorthy, against whom students had launched a stir about two weeks ago seeking her removal, to go on leave.

Chief Secretary to Puducherry government, Manoj Parida, told PTI today that the Ministry has directed the Vice-Chancellor to go on leave pending inquiry into the allegations made against her.

The students have been on strike since July 27 to press their charter of demands, including removal of the Vice-Chancellor for alleged 'administrative chaos' and 'violation of human rights'.

Against this backdrop, a two-member official team, comprising the Joint Secretary to the UGC K P Singh and Director of Higher Education in the Ministry Amit Shukla, deputed by the HRD Ministry, had held parleys with students, officials, staff and other stakeholders of the University on August 6 and 7.

The team also held talks with the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar in charge S Panneerselvam during their two-day camp here.

An inquiry has since been on into the allegations and pending the probe, Chandra Krishnamoorthy has been asked to proceed on leave.

Chandra Krishnamoorthy is the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University. This is the first time in the annals of the 31-year-old University that a Vice-Chancellor has been asked to go on leave.