Annamalai University vice-chancellor suspended

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah on Saturday suspended Annamalai University Vice-Chancellor M Ramanathan as part of an investigation of alleged financial irregularities in the university. A special audit team constituted by the state government had submitted its report saying it had found financial irregularities including diversion of funds running to several crores of rupees and misappropriation of funds, said an order issued by the governor.

The Tamil Nadu government had constituted a Special Audit Team under Section 28 of the Annamalai University Act, 1928, to conduct a special audit of the university to assess the alleged irregularities. The Senate and Syndicate have admitted that there have been diversion of university funds to a hospital, appropriation of provident fund and contributory pension fund, non remittance of pension contribution, lapse in collecting dues, appointments made in excess and excessive fixation of salary, said the order.

These admitted lapses has occurred on account of maladministration and lack of proper control over the functioning of the University and as principal executive officer of the University, with various powers vested including to appoint clerical and other staff, the Vice-Chancellor is responsible for proper functioning of the University.

"It has become necessary to investigate into the matter in detail, from all angles and in particular with respect to the working of the institution, persons responsible for the maladministration, persons responsible for financial irregularities and the rold played by you as the Vice Chancellor/ Principlal Executive Officer," said the Governor's order.

"Therefore, you are hereby placed under suspension from the office of the Vice-Chancellor, with immediate effect, pending investigation into the aforesaid matters and the suspension will continue until further orders," it added.

The State government on Thursday appointed an IAS officer, Shiv Das Meena, as administratory of the nearly 84 year old University.