Students want V-C’s service termination
NEWDELHI: Student leaders of the Banaras Hind University (BHU) on Tuesday demanded the termination of services of the university vice-chancellor, Professor Girish Chandra Tripathi.
Tripathi went on indefinite leave on Monday citing personal reasons.
Having charged the V-C for acting on behalf of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), they also demanded expulsion of the then chief proctor, ON Singh, who they alleged was involved in issuing orders for lathicharge on students. They also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) from Vanarasi, to break his silence on the issue and make a statement as the matter related to the safety of women students.
“We demand immediate removal of V-C, Prof GC Tripathi, from his post and ensuring that he is no way reinstated either as V-C or in any other position of responsibility. The act of the V-C going on leave is misleading as he still remains Vice-chancellor and will be able to influence students and all institutions of enquiry that are underway,” said Mineshi Mishra, a student who is part of the joint action committee.
While demanding that a committee be constituted to re-examine all the decisions of appointments taken by Tripathi during his tenure, Mishra said the government should ensure that the appointment of the new V-C was based on merit and not on affiliation to the RSS.
The students, leading the protest against alleged sexual violence and gender injustice, said more than 14 of them were targeted by UP Police, which then charged students of offences under IPC sections that are both cognizable and non bailable.
“We also demand the constitution of an enquiry committee by the BHU administration headed by a retired judge justice Pandit VK Dikshit,” Mishra said.
Other demands included the immediate removal and dismissal of the erstwhile head of proctorial board ON Singh.
“He has stepped down from his position but still remains head of department of ancient history and archaeology and is also a professor. We demand that strict action be taken against him,” said Atul Singh, a student.