Publisher recalls Rajasthan governor Kalraj Mishra’s biography ‘sold’ to 27 universities

JAIPUR: The publisher has recalled Rajasthan governor Kalraj Mishra's biography allegedly 'imposed' on 27 universities. The publisher, the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (IIME), has has taken the decision following a probe ordered by the Raj Bhavan. TOI has a copy of the letter issued to all 27 VCs by IIME, stating that it took them 18 months to publish the 'well-researched pictorial and lyrical account' of of the life of governor Mishra. “If the book is not of any use, you are requested to return the same,” the letter said.
The IIME had released the biography at the governor’s house on July 1. Without the consent of the VCs who were present during the occasion, they loaded 19 copies of the book into the cars of the VCs and gave a bill of Rs 68,383 each. After the matter snowballed into a major controversy, on July 5, the governor's house denied knowing about any such move by the publisher and, on June 6, ordered a probe into the issue.
The letter said that it was a usual practice to sell books during book launches. “We didn’t know that there was a particular protocol not to sell books at such programmes. It happened out of misunderstanding,” the letter said.
“I have received the letter from the publisher. detailing Every university, except a few, will surely return the books as it has no academic value,” said one of the VCs requesting anonymity.
A source at the governor’s house said that the probe has started against the publisher.
“It is certain that the publisher's affiliates and connections in different ministries are going to be impacted by the move,” said a source. The IIME has claimed that it has been given the status of scientific research in industrial training body by the ministry of textiles.