Rehab varsity VC removed over irregularities
The state government on Saturday removed Prof Nishith Rai, vice chancellor of Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow till the pendency of the enquiry committee report. Principal secretary, disabled welfare, Mahesh Gupta was given the charge of officiating VC. Sources said there were several complaints against Prof Rai over irregularities in the appointment of teachers.
Yogi Adityanath government removed Prof Nishith Rai, vice chancellor of Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow on Saturday.
Mahesh Gupta, principal secretary, disabled welfare, was given the charge of officiating vice chancellor of the university.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath is the chairperson of the university.
Sources said office of the chief minister had received several complaints against Prof Rai over irregularities in the appointment of teachers. Many of the appointments were made without the approval of the executive council, the highest body of the university. It was also alleged that Prof Rai used his influence in the previous government to get this post. It was alleged that despite holding the office of vice chancellor, he also held the post of director of Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies, Lucknow University.
The governing council of the university has decided that a retired judge of the high court, Justice Shailendra Saxena will probe the charges. Justice Saxena is expected to complete the probe within six months. Akhilesh Yadav government had appointed Nishith Rai as vice chancellor in January, 2014.
When contacted, Prof Rai said he had not received any official communication about his ouster yet. “I am only hearing about it,” he said. Rai said he was not aware about any general council meeting being held where a decision was taken to remove him.
Rai said, “The council never heard my version and has not given me an opportunity to explain my position. No appointment was made without the approval of the executive council. I have followed all the rules and regulations in the appointment process of teachers.”