Govt to appoint new pro VC of Vishwa Bharati university

The Centre, which has launched a probe into alleged administrative irregularities against vice chancellor of Visva Bharati University, has now decided to appoint a pro-VC of the prestigious varsity.
Senior professor of the varsity's Hindi department Chakardhar Tripathi is likely to head the post, indicated officials in the HRD Ministry.
The post was lying vacant ever since the present VC Sushanta Duttagupta assumed charge about three years ago.
The post was created following a recommendation of a high level committee set up by the then President Abdul Kalam.
"However, ever since the present VC assumed charge, he has ignored the post, hampering effective functioning of the university," officials said.

Tripathi's appointment is also likely to help in proper investigation against Duttagupta, university officials said.

Early this month, HRD Ministry decided to set up a committee under Secretary Vrinda Sarup to enquire into alleged administrative irregularities committed by Duttagupta.
The committee was set up against the backdrop of questions being raised about his "autocratic style" of functioning in some quarters and by Congress MP P Bhattacharya in Parliament.
"Academic atmosphere has been thoroughly jeopardised and the Vice-Chancellor is functioning in an autocratic manner," the Congress MP had said in Rajya Sabha during a discussion.
He had accused the VC of appointing a Controller of Examinations despite having no powers to do so, and sanctioned key posts in violation of the Visva Bharati Act.

Terming it as "unfortunate and illegal", Bhattacharya had alleged that the VC, who is retired person, was drawing pension equal to his salary.