What conflict of interest? NU picks Khaty for LIT post
Sarfaraz Ahmed | TNN | Apr 9, 2019, 04:25 IST
Nagpur: Defying norms and high court observations, Nagpur University (NU) vice-chancellor SP Kane on Monday appointed acting registrar Niraj Khaty as professor in chemistry at Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) during the first round of interviews held on Monday.
Khaty’s appointment shocked many in NU circles as he was the recruiter as well as applicant for the job where he would anyway have little to teach as per syllabus.
On March 5, TOI had reported how NU had exclusively advertised the post for Khaty despite there being no workload to teach chemistry subject. Also, the appointment would not help LIT secure good NBA rating to become autonomous. Of the 17 posts okayed by the government following high court rap, more allocation was insisted in the core field of chemical engineering, a course that makes LIT a unique institution.
Khaty was also in conflict of interest since he failed to dissociate himself from academic council meeting in which interview selection panel was decided upon. On March 21, TOI had reported that Khaty was recruiter, applicant and as well as panel fixer for his own interview. NU had also cleverly not mentioned specialization to clear Khaty’s path.
On March 27, HC had orally warned that “it would have to take care of situation if irregularities are brought to its notice” while rejecting NU’s plea to postpone the interviews. Though the remarks coming after petitioner’s counsel informing the court about irregularities had appeared to rule out Khaty’s candidature, Kane is believed to have relied on legal opinion that gave him a go ahead.
Controversies had marred the recruitments one after another with opponents even leaking the interview panel members’ list to stop Kane from appointing Khaty to the post. Following the leak, one of the members pulled out of Monday’s interview.
As per officials, Khaty has also applied for NU’s registrar post which too has been advertised through his own signature. They say though as per norms he is ineligible to be even called for the interview, it is likely Kane would once again back him. Being newly-appointed as professor, Khaty will be on two-year probation during which no additional charge can be given as per norms.
Kane and Khaty didn’t answer TOI’s calls.
Khaty’s appointment shocked many in NU circles as he was the recruiter as well as applicant for the job where he would anyway have little to teach as per syllabus.
On March 5, TOI had reported how NU had exclusively advertised the post for Khaty despite there being no workload to teach chemistry subject. Also, the appointment would not help LIT secure good NBA rating to become autonomous. Of the 17 posts okayed by the government following high court rap, more allocation was insisted in the core field of chemical engineering, a course that makes LIT a unique institution.
Khaty was also in conflict of interest since he failed to dissociate himself from academic council meeting in which interview selection panel was decided upon. On March 21, TOI had reported that Khaty was recruiter, applicant and as well as panel fixer for his own interview. NU had also cleverly not mentioned specialization to clear Khaty’s path.
On March 27, HC had orally warned that “it would have to take care of situation if irregularities are brought to its notice” while rejecting NU’s plea to postpone the interviews. Though the remarks coming after petitioner’s counsel informing the court about irregularities had appeared to rule out Khaty’s candidature, Kane is believed to have relied on legal opinion that gave him a go ahead.
Controversies had marred the recruitments one after another with opponents even leaking the interview panel members’ list to stop Kane from appointing Khaty to the post. Following the leak, one of the members pulled out of Monday’s interview.
As per officials, Khaty has also applied for NU’s registrar post which too has been advertised through his own signature. They say though as per norms he is ineligible to be even called for the interview, it is likely Kane would once again back him. Being newly-appointed as professor, Khaty will be on two-year probation during which no additional charge can be given as per norms.
Kane and Khaty didn’t answer TOI’s calls.
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