DU V- C defends himself in reply to HRD notice

The Delhi University vicechancellor, Prof. Dinesh Singh, has replied to a show- cause notice issued by Union HRD ministry to explain his position regarding the introduction of the controversial four- year undergraduate programme ( FYUP) and other allegations levelled against him.

According to sources, Prof. Singh sent his reply to the ministry on Tuesday evening, within the 15- day deadline. Prof. Singh was issued a show- cause notice on March 17 after the visitor’s nod. Both the ministry and the Delhi University, however, remained tightlipped over the arguments put forth by the V- C in his reply.

Mr Singh strongly defended himself in his reply, claiming no wrongdoing in the introduction of the FYUP programme as it had necessary approvals, according to PTI. He is understood to have said the FYUP, which was scrapped by the UGC in June, had the requisite sanctions from the HRD ministry.

He also said the decision was taken keeping in mind that students’ interests were not compromised in any way. About the fouryear B. Tech. courses, he is understood to have argued that they required no approval as they were being offered by the varsity. The sources said that the reply, which runs into over 100 pages, is currently being examined by the ministry and it will send its recommendations to the DU visitor, President Pranab Mukherjee. While the Delhi University Act does not confer any powers on the government to recall an incumbent vice- chancellor, HRD ministry officials said that they can invoke the general services records to get the V- C removed by the appointing authority.

The ministry had also sought Prof. Singh’s reply on B. Tech courses being launched without due clearance.