Panjab University syndicate removes Tomar from dean’s post

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University (PU) syndicate on Saturday removed Prof S K Tomar from the post of dean, research, that was given to him on a temporary basis recently, deciding to consider seniority for the post.

The decision was taken after a lengthy discussion on the matter in the zero hour. After the discussion was initiated, officers, director public relations and cameraman recording the proceedings were asked to leave the syndicate room.

Syndicate and senate member Prof Navdeep Goyal initiated the discussion, stating the term of the former director of the Research Promotion Cell (RPC) was two years and as per rules, the director should have been allowed to complete her term. However, he said, if the appointment had to be made, seniority should have been considered for the post, as has been the norm.

On this, a member said it is the prerogative of the vice chancellor to make the appointment. However, Goyal said according to the PU calendar, it is not VC’s prerogative to elect deans. The deans are either elected or senate elects the dean on the recommendation of the syndicate. During the closed door discussion when the officers, including finance development officer, controller of examinations, dean of college development council and deputy registrar among others were not present, sources said the vice-chancellor was adamant to keep Tomar for the post. However, the house was unanimous and said that it was the sentiment of the entire university that the appointment was wrong. Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) president Prof Rajesh Gill, who had requested the PU vice chancellor Prof Raj Kumar to review the decisions and make the appointment on the seniority basis said she was happy with the decision.