The Association of United College Teachers (AUCT) has formally approached the Chancellor of Panjab University, expressing serious concerns about the functioning of the Dean College Development Council (DCDC) and seeking urgent intervention. The teachers' body has highlighted issues of administrative commitment and a pending financial inquiry linked to the current dean.
Allegations of Part-Time Attendance and Administrative Neglect
In its representation, the AUCT has alleged a critical lack of full-time administrative presence. The association claims that despite heading a vital office responsible for nearly 210 affiliated colleges, the DCDC dean reportedly attends the Chandigarh office only on Mondays and Fridays. For the rest of the week, he continues his teaching duties at the Panjab University Regional Centre in Ludhiana.
The AUCT has termed the College Development Council as "one of the principal pillars" of an affiliating university. They argue that the post demands full-time administrative commitment in Chandigarh to ensure the fair, efficient, and timely functioning of all affiliated colleges. Consequently, they have urged the Chancellor to appoint a senior faculty member from within the main campus for this crucial role.
Pending Inquiry into Rs 32 Lakh Embezzlement Case
The association's letter also brings up a contentious past matter. It points out that at the time of his appointment as DCDC dean, an inquiry was pending regarding the "embezzlement of nearly Rs 32 lakh". This financial discrepancy was reported during his earlier tenure as the principal of Panjab University Constituent College, Nihal Singh Wala in Moga.
The representation asserts that this inquiry was discussed in a Syndicate meeting held in April 2023, but has allegedly not been concluded yet. This unresolved issue, according to the AUCT, adds another layer of concern regarding the appointment and the governance standards being upheld.
University Administration's Response
When contacted about the concerns, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig addressed the dual-city responsibility. She maintained that the university administration has structured the DCDC's functioning to ensure essential work continues seamlessly. "The responsibilities have been organised so that the system does not suffer. A lot of routine files and administrative work today can be handled digitally as well, and there are mechanisms to ensure continuity," Vig stated.
Regarding the embezzlement allegations, the V-C clarified, "That inquiry was not directly against him personally; the issue largely pertained to an employee posted there at the time, so it should not be viewed as an individual indictment." Attempts to get a response from the DCDC office regarding the AUCT's allegations were unsuccessful, as calls and messages remained unanswered.
The core concern of the teachers' association remains governance and accountability. They have expressed hope for a timely intervention from the Chancellor's office to address these issues. The DCDC office plays a pivotal role as an intermediary between Panjab University and its vast network of affiliated colleges, planning for their integrated development and providing necessary guidance.
