Lt Gov reviews Pondy varsity situation; report sent to Centre

As the agitation by students of Pondicherry University over their demands including removal of the Vice-Chancellor entered the ninth day, Lt Governor A K Singh today took stock of the situation while the Central Government decided to depute a team to look into the issues.
Singh, who is the Chief Rector of the central university, held detailed discussions with the union territory Chief Secretary Manoj Parida on the situation following which a report was sent by the latter to Union Home Ministry.
Education Secretary G Ragesh Chandra in a release here tonight said the report covered the 'existing law and order situation, students agitation and other internal problems in the university campus.

He said the Union Human Resource Development Ministry, which has direct administrative control over the university, had also been apprised of the situation and requested to intervene.
The Lt Governor took stock of the situation keeping in view the request of various students' outfits, staff associations and political parties, the release said.
He also appealed to all concerned to "refrain from any type of agitations and violence and restore normalcy in the University," it said.

The students are agitating since July 29 demanding removal of Vice-Chancellor Dr Chandra Krishnamoorthy for alleged 'administrative chaos' and 'violation of human rights'.
They are also demanding improvement in hostel facilities and other amenities.

The release also said the HRD Ministry has decided to depute a Committee of officials to hear all the stake holders, study the existing situation on-field and make appropriate report to the Central government.
"The Committee from the Ministry would arrive here shortly and would interact with all groups and the Vice-Chancellor before finalising its recommendation," it said.
University Grants Commission Joint Secretary K P Singh and Director of Higher Education Amit Shukla would be the members of the committee, university sources said.