Ex-NAAC chief Patwardhan seeks inquiry, action over ‘serious lapse’

PUNE: Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, former executive president of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on Saturday said that he had not formally resigned from the post and his intent to resign has was misconstrued by the University Grants Commission, a statutory body set up by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. He also sought inquiry and action against those responsible for this lapse.

“I have not yet formally resigned. My resignation appears to have been misconstrued as my intent to resign,” Patwardhan said when contacted.

On Saturday, Patwardhan wrote back to UGC saying the the competent authority has accepted his request “without any application of mind and any sensible justification.”

“Prima facie, this hasty action shows a sorry state of administrative affairs and misuse of powers at UGC and NAAC. In view of the above, I take this opportunity sincerely to make an appeal to the Ministry of Education, GoI, New Delhi, to institute a thorough independent inquiry in this regard and book those

I have tried my utmost to bring in many academic, administrative, and reforms based on the aims and objectives of NAAC.

who are responsible for this serious lapse on their part, in the interest of justice to protect my individual rights, dignity, and sanctity of UGC, NAAC, and HEIs in the country. Last but not the least, I also put on record my strong protest against the said decision of the competent authority and also reserve my right to protect my person,” the latest letter stated.

Earlier, Bhushan Patwardhan stated in his letter of intent to resign dated February 26 that he had expressed his concerns about the possibility of vested interests, malpractices, and nexus among the individuals involved, thereby offering a green corridor by manipulating Information Computer Technology

(ICT), Data validation and verification (DVV), and peer team visit (PTV) leading to awarding of questionable grades.

“Mainly due to this, I had also suggested the need for an independent inquiry by appropriate high-level national agencies. But all in vain.

“Moreover, my communications with you during the last couple of months seem to have been conveniently ignored. Although I do not take these issues on a personal plane, I am deeply worried about protecting the sanctity of the position of Chairman EC NAAC.