NUTA seek Chief Rector's intervention

 

Dimapur, March 9: The Nagaland University Teachers' Association (NUTA) has sought immediate intervention of the Chief Rector, Nagaland University on the illegal suspension of 3 teachers, who are NUTA leaders by the Vice Chancellor, Prof K Kannan, for the second time, "in blatant violation of our rights."

In a memorandum, which was submitted to the Chief Rector's office today, the NUTA stated that successive Show causes and memorandum of charges framed against these three teachers by the Vice Chancellor are proof of his (VC's) vendetta on NUTA leaders who have voiced against corruption and serious irregularities in this University, during his tenure.

The Association alleged that the Vice Chancellor has shown total intolerance of public criticism and tried to stifle the fundamental rights to criticism and freedom of speech, through such repressive actions of show causes and illegal suspensions, and neither criticism of the policies of the University nor the act of questioning the same be, by any stretch of imagination, can be treated as misconduct.

The NUTA also claimed that the FIR filed against the NUTA leaders by the Registrar is false and vindictive and an act of vengeance by the Registrar, adding, the FIR dated 28.10.09, filed against the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar is filed by the two teachers on corruption and bribery and the matter is under Police investigation

"It is also neither illegal nor improper to be members of any social organization, be it the Naga Mothers' Association, Naga people Movement for Human rights or an Expert member with the National Commission for Women, which are organizations working for the welfare and protection of women's rights and human rights. The autonomy of Central universities is evident in the fact that teachers can be active members of any political party, social organizations and can be granted leave to stand for election and come back to University teaching," the memorandum stated.

The Memorandum further stated that Prof. K. Kannan, as Chairman of the Executive Council, denied the legitimate right of the three teachers to appeal, by confiscating copies of their representation to the Executive Council dated 6th December 2009, at the 22nd EC Meeting at Lumami, which was submitted through the University office, and refused to allow its distribution to the EC members. Furthermore, on the 13th February 2010, at the 23rd EC Meeting, the NUTA representation to the EC Members, on the illegal suspensions, along with a representation for Table agenda , was once again confiscated by the Chairman, EC, even though it was delivered through the University office.

It stated that the "autocratic and undemocratic functioning" of Prof.K.Kannan as Chairman, EC is in direct violation of NUTA's fundamental right to represent grievances to the Executive Council and has resulted in further victimization of the three NUTA leaders by the EC ratification of illegal suspensions. The autocratic action of the Vice Chancellor is in direct violation of the Nagaland University Act, Statute 13, Clause 12, Powers and functions of the Executive Council, it pointed out.

The memorandum also stated that at its general body meeting of University teachers held SASRD, Medziphema on February 24, 2010, the House has resolved and demanded that Prof K Kanna, as the Chairman Executive Council, must convene an emergency meeting of the Executive Council and revoked immediately the illegal suspensions, within fourteen days. However, the Vice Chancellor, in total disrespect to the demands of the NUTA has initiated further illegal disciplinary proceedings against the three NUTA leaders from the 4th March 2010.

The NUTA informed the Chief Rector that it is highly questionable that this Central University in the furthermost part of the country, continues to reel under undemocratic functioning of the Vice Chancellor, who himself, is under inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation, directed by the President of India, which is against all forms of natural justice and democracy.

The NUTA demanded the Chief Rector's immediate intervention to resolve the crisis by recommending for immediate appointment with the Visitor, Nagaland University to meet the delegation of NUTA leaders that would be arriving in New Delhi.

The NUTA has also submitted a representation to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Judicial, Kohima for immediate submission by  Police of investigation reports and action to be taken as per the law on the various FIRs filed against  the Vice Chancellor Prof.K.Kannan and the Registrar Dr.P.H.Naik by the teachers. (Page News Service)