9 months ago
Assam Govt Orders Probe into Graft Allegations Against KKHSOU Vice-Chancellor
Imagine a school principal accused of not following the rules.
Some people in Assam say the boss of a special open university, named KKHSOU, might have done some bad things.
They say he spent money without asking for bids, which is like buying things without checking prices.
They also say he didn't punish a staff member who was accused of bothering people at work, even though others said he did.
There are also claims that the principal gave a friend a job for longer than he should have.
The government of Assam is now going to look into these claims to see if they are true.
They want to make sure the university is run properly and fairly for everyone.
The Assam government has initiated an inquiry into corruption and misconduct allegations against KKHSOU Vice-Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das.
The probe also includes former Registrar Arupjyoti Choudhury and Deputy Registrar Ratul Patowary.
Allegations include awarding construction without tenders, financial irregularities, and shielding employees accused of sexual offenses.
A professor was reportedly dismissed after flagging irregularities but later reinstated by the Gauhati High Court.
Deputy Registrar Ratul Patowary was found guilty of sexual harassment by an internal committee, but no disciplinary action was allegedly taken by the VC.
- Who
- Assam government, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) Vice-Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das, former Registrar Arupjyoti Choudhury, Deputy Registrar Ratul Patowary, Assam Public Works (APW)
- What
- An inquiry has been ordered into allegations of corruption, administrative irregularities, financial misconduct, and failure to act on sexual harassment complaints.
- Where
- Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), Assam
- When
- The inquiry was ordered following a complaint filed by APW, with an official notification issued in October.
- Why
- To investigate alleged corruption, administrative irregularities, financial misconduct, and shielding of employees accused of sexual offenses, as per a complaint filed by Assam Public Works (APW).
Assam Public Works (APW)
Alleged Wrongdoers
Financial Irregularities in Construction and Repairs
Assam Public Works (APW)
Accuses VC Rajendra Prasad Das of awarding construction and repair works without tenders, using government and student funds, causing financial loss and tarnishing the institution's reputation.
Alleged Wrongdoers
Not explicitly stated, but implicitly denies or remains silent on these specific allegations.
Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints
Assam Public Works (APW)
Alleges VC Das failed to take disciplinary action against Deputy Registrar Ratul Patowary, who was found guilty by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of sexual harassment allegations by women employees.
Alleged Wrongdoers
Not explicitly stated, but implies a failure to act or denial of wrongdoing.
Extension of Registrar's Service
Assam Public Works (APW)
Claims VC Das extended the service tenure of former Registrar Arupjyoti Choudhury, violating university norms, possibly in exchange for cooperation in administrative decisions.
Alleged Wrongdoers
Not explicitly stated, but implicitly denies or remains silent on this alleged quid pro quo.
Key facts
- University
- Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU)
- Vice-Chancellor Under Probe
- Rajendra Prasad Das
- Former Registrar Implicated
- Arupjyoti Choudhury (now VC of Madhavdev University)
- Deputy Registrar Implicated
- Ratul Patowary
- Complainant
- Assam Public Works (APW)
- Enquiry Officer
- Ashrumani Malakar, Additional Secretary, Higher Education Department
- Date of Notification
- October (specific day not mentioned)
Quotes
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU)
The institution against which allegations of corruption have been made.
“not only caused financial loss but also tarnished the reputation of the institution”
assamtribune.com
Sources
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