VC vows not to succumb to political pressure

By: ML Verma

Shimla (May 26): Newly appointed Himachal Pradesh Vice-chancellor Arun Diwakar Nath Bajpai has expressed commitment to make the university a premier learning center, and resolved not to succumb before any kind of political pressure.

The VC today disclosed his course of action after joining the post, which till today has remained occupied mostly by the local academia. Replying to a query to overcome prevailing trend of political interference in day-to-day work, he said that politicians visiting university for academic purposes would be welcomed and those who would try to propagate political ideology in the campus would not be tolerated.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the university has remained in the thick of controversy over alleged role of state ruling parties to influence recruitments and other activities. Signaling not to work under political pressure, Bajpai said he has no opposition to positive politicization of the institution but would try to eradicate the disease of negative politics.

Commenting on teachers politics in the university, Bajpai said those who are drawing salaries form public exchequer have no right to do politics, especially in educational institutions. “Personnel prejudices have no place in the university and teachers who would be found discriminating students on political bases would be dealt with firmly,” Bajpai said.

Giving message to teaching staff to be punctual, Bajpai said he would ensure presence of teachers in their departments from 10:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening. Expressing concern over the declining grades of HPU, Bajpai said he
would try to improve the academic atmosphere with the help of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.

“When teachers and other staff of the university are drawing salaries for their work, students are getting degrees and still the grades are coming down is signal of lack of honesty among all components of the university,” said Bajpai.

Stressing on the need of increasing academic activities in HPU, Bajpai said regular seminars, symposia and lectures would be organized along with updating the library and organizing training programmes for the teachers. “I would promote research having a close relation to the society,” Bajpai said.

Replying to a question on strengthening the Executive Council (EC), which has weakened doe to increased presence from politicians, Bajpai said he would interact with members of EC to improve the functioning of university.