National Institute of Design Demands Rs 13.91 Lakh from Former Director for Residential Services
Ahmedabad: In a highly unusual move, the National Institute of Design (NID) has formally requested its former director, Praveen Nahar, to reimburse a substantial sum of Rs 13.91 lakh. This amount is specifically tied to services and utilities provided at the official residence he occupied during his tenure from June 2019 to October 2024.
Breakdown of the Recovery Claim
The demand notice, which has stirred significant controversy within academic circles, comprises two primary components:
- Sweeper and Cleaner Services: A staggering Rs 12.89 lakh has been claimed for the services of a sweeper-cum-cleaner at the director's official bungalow. NID's administration has categorically stated that this facility was "beyond entitlement as director, NID," justifying the recovery effort.
- Electricity Charges: An additional Rs 1.02 lakh is being sought to cover electricity consumption at the same premises over the specified period.
Insiders familiar with the institute's operations have described this action as unprecedented, noting that such recoveries from former directors are virtually unheard of in NID's history.
Administrative Actions and Communications
According to highly placed sources, NID's chief administrative officer, P S Pradeep, initiated the recovery process by sending two separate emails to Praveen Nahar approximately four months ago. These communications explicitly detailed the amounts owed and emphasized that the demand had been issued with the full approval of the current director. The emails instructed Nahar to deposit the funds immediately, adding a layer of urgency to the matter.
Praveen Nahar's Response and Current Position
Praveen Nahar, who resigned from NID in the latter half of 2025 and subsequently joined IIT Gandhinagar as a professor of design, expressed surprise and bewilderment at the claims. In a statement, he clarified, "I have already sought detailed clarification on the applicable rules and the basis of the claims. The matter has been raised after the tenure, and I will respond appropriately once the requested information is provided. At this stage, I am unable to comment further."
Sources close to the development revealed that Nahar has formally requested comprehensive details regarding the amenities and entitlements traditionally available to NID directors. He has also raised pointed questions about why these issues were never addressed during his active tenure, suggesting potential friction with the current administration.
Institute's Silence and Internal Reactions
Despite repeated attempts to contact the current NID director, Ashok Mondal, for comments or clarifications, there has been no official response from him or the institute as of Tuesday evening. This silence has only fueled speculation and debate within the academic community.
An anonymous source close to the situation remarked, "The issue could have been resolved amicably, but going after a former director is not the way the institute has treated its senior members. This approach marks a significant departure from past practices and could set a troubling precedent."
The recovery demand highlights underlying tensions and administrative shifts at NID, raising broader questions about protocol, entitlements, and the treatment of former leaders in premier educational institutions.
