A major controversy involving alleged administrative victimization has surfaced at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar. A recent inquiry has uncovered a disturbing pattern where a faculty member with a stellar record was abruptly given a poor performance rating after she raised serious allegations of corruption within the institution.
From 'Excellent' to 'Below Average': A Vindictive Downgrade
The inquiry, conducted by former Hisar Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg, focused on the case of Dr Chhavi Sirohi, an assistant professor. The report found that Dr Sirohi's confidential performance reports from 2017 to 2022 consistently showed high performance, with ratings of 'excellent' and 'very good'. However, in a shocking turn, her appraisal for the 2022–23 period was marked 'below average' with remarks questioning her integrity.
This downgrade is particularly controversial because it occurred shortly after Dr Sirohi filed a formal corruption complaint. The inquiry termed the action 'arbitrary and unjustified', noting that she had even received an award in the same year she was branded with 'doubtful integrity'—a term usually applied to officials facing corruption charges. The report explicitly stated that the Vice-Chancellor appears to have misused administrative power, causing significant harm to Dr Sirohi's professional reputation.
Pending Corruption Case and Blocked Benefits
Dr Sirohi's original complaint, filed on January 23, 2023, accused a principal scientist of submitting fraudulent contractor bills. Nearly three years later, this investigation remains inconclusive. The inquiry report criticized this prolonged delay, stating it undermines the fundamental principle of timely justice.
Adding to her troubles, the university has withheld medical reimbursement bills worth several lakh rupees for over 18 months. These bills were for her parents' treatment. While the university demanded an income certificate, the inquiry recommended her claims be processed like those of any other employee without unnecessary hurdles.
Furthermore, Dr Sirohi was denied the opportunity to attend a fully-funded international training programme under the Integrated Development Project (IDP) for 2022–23. The programme, with a cost of approximately ₹8 lakh per participant covered by global sponsors, was denied to her. The inquiry suggested this rejection was another example of discriminatory treatment.
Institutional Credibility Under Threat
This inquiry was initiated following the lathicharge on women students and subsequent protests at HAU in June. Its conclusions are damning for the university's administration. It warned that such arbitrary actions in performance appraisals and inordinate delays in resolving complaints severely damage the institution's credibility and poison the academic environment.
The case of Dr Chhavi Sirohi has become a symbol of alleged administrative high-handedness and retaliation within a premier agricultural university. It raises urgent questions about transparency, fairness, and the protection of whistle-blowers in India's academic institutions.
