Times of India: Nagpur: Wednesday, September 25, 2013.
Nagpur
University VC Vilas Sapkal is has another controversy staring at him with
former chairman of Board of Studies (BoS) for Mass Communication and marksheet
scam convict Sunil Mishra filing another complaint against him with Pune-based
director of higher education PR Gaikwad.
Citing
documents obtained under RTI, Mishra questioned Sapkal's appointment for the
professor's post in Amravati University on November 24, 1994. Mishra pointed
out to Sapkal's experience that was less than the prescribed norm of 10 years
in teaching, industry or research of which five years must be at the level of
assistant professor. He demanded cancellation of appointment as a AU professor
for want of eligibility just like Gaikwad had done in the case of controller of
examinations (CoE) Vilas Ramteke.
The VC
categorically denied all allegations as baseless while raising questions on
Mishra's credibility. He said his record was clean and transparent and his
appointment as professor or VC was made strictly on merit. "The person who
is convict in infamous Kohchade scam has vested interests. I am daily receiving
such letters from him," Sapkal said.
Sapkal added
all his qualifications and experience were legal and all documents were with
him. "I don't know why these people are doing all the hardwork seeking my
documents under RTI from various places. If they ask, I will provide them
myself," he said. He further acknowledged that he was interested only in
academics and development of the university and had nothing to do with politics
being played. Sapkal added his appointment was made by a selection panel after
a through scrutiny.
Mishra stated
that Sapkal had worked for Ion Exchange India Ltd at its Research and
Development Centre for one year from March 1987 to 1988 and later for six years
at Sartorious Biotech India as technical director from April 1988 to November
24, 1994. This means he had seven years of industrial experience against the
requirement of 10 years. When he appeared for an interview, the selection panel
headed by then AU VC GV Patil had waived off experience requirement, as per RTI
information. SD Dawande, now working with LIT, was another candidate in the
fray with Sapkal.
Citing
another document under RTI from UGC on July 1, Mishra said the apex body had
categorically brought out that 'relaxation in eligibility criteria by a
selection committee for the professor's post was not permissible as there was
no provision of relaxation. Mishra said the exchequer was suffering losses by
paying salary to ineligible candidate and demanded that it be recovered. He
also warned he will approach appropriate judicial forum, if Gaikwad failed to
take action. He had already forwarded the copy of his letter to chancellor's
secretary and principal secretary for higher and technical education
department.
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