Uncertainty over PAU accreditation

Ludhiana: Ahead of crucial meeting of accreditation committee, Punjab and Haryana high court lawyer HC Arora has given a representation to the director-general, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) chairman against renewal of accreditation to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
Citing provisions related to the the terms and conditions pertaining to the continuation of vice-chancellor, Arora — in his representation — claimed that the university and its colleges have not fulfilled the conditions specifically under Section 24 of ICAR Model Act 2009.
“The vice-chancellor has to be appointed by the chancellor, from the panel of eminent educationists in agricultural sciences drawn by the search committee. Under Clause 4 of Section 24 (supra), the vice-chancellor is to hold office for a term of five years, or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier,” said Arora, in his representation.
He added that despite the aforesaid categorical directions issued by the ICAR Accreditation Board and the provisions of Model Act 2009, the incumbent vice-chancellor BS Dhillon, who is 72 years old, has been continuing since June 1, 2011.
The Punjab government had issued orders for the extension of Dhillon’s term for another two years from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021, on June 21 early this year, following the recommendation of PAU Board of Governance. Arora has already challenged this order in the Punjab and Haryana high court, and the case is slated to come up for hearing on August 19, 2019.
Meanwhile, in his response, ICAR DG Tarclochan Mahapattra said: “The government should be asked. We have guidelines to be followed by the state government, and these are to be pursued by the university with the government. We have already provided a mechanism for the adoption of the model act. But ICAR has nothing to do with this, as PAU is a state agricultural university. These are all advisories to all national universities, which are aimed at maintaining uniformity. If the university does not follow them, then the only mechanism we have is that of discontinuing funding.”
Mahapatra, however, added that BS Dhillon’s contribution has been outstanding in the arena of national research. The accreditation meeting for PAU is scheduled to be held on July 29 for the finalisation of PAU’s accreditation with ICAR.