Order to probe varsity chief role

Gaya: Governor-cum-chancellor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday constituted a two-member committee to probe charges of nepotism and other alleged wrongdoings of Magadh University vice-chancellor (VC) Qamar Ahsan on the basis of a complaint made by Sushil Singh, the BJP MP from Aurangabad.

Aurangabad MP Sushil Singh has levelled charges of nepotism, wrongful gain and exploitation of affiliated college operators against Ahsan. The committee comprises retired IAS officer M.P. Sinha and SN Guha, the former VC of Aryabhatta Knowledge University. The committee has been given two weeks’ time to submit its report.

On October 22, 2017, the MP through a two-page long letter levelled charges against the VC. The charges included nepotism in the selection of contractors and appointments made by the VC and harassment/exploitation of affiliated college operators. The other charges pertained to wrongful receipt of post-retirement benefits, enjoyment of lien in excess of his entitlement, lack of transparency in transfers and postings, wrongful gain through transfer and posting.

However, the MP did not mention specific cases of wrongful selection of contractors or identity of the beneficiaries of the wrongs done by the VC.

The MP’s complaint was first referred to the VC for his comments on the allegations made against him. On December 17, 2017, Ahsan submitted his written response denying the charges levelled against him and said he had neither awarded contracts to his kith and kin, nor made any appointment.

Trashing the charge of exploitation/harassment of affiliated college operators, the VC said the disaffiliation of several colleges had been ordered by the government and all action in the matter was taken as per provisions of the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976.

In respect of transfers, the VC said all transfers were made on the recommendation of a duly constituted committee having a representative of the chancellor as well as the government.

On June 25, 2018, the VC was once again asked to respond to the charges made by the MP. In response to the second explanation, Ahsan, while reminding the chancellor’s office that he has already submitted his explanation on December 17, 2017, again refuted the charges and said the allegations were based on hearsay.

Courtesy: The Telegraph