3/25/12

The Hindu : States / Andhra Pradesh : EFLU at logjam

News

States

Andhra Pradesh

Published: February 19, 2012 11:25 IST | Updated: February 19, 2012 11:25 IST

EFLU at logjam
R. Ravikanth Reddy

The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), a sought-after institution for learning foreign language across the country, is facing a tough time with protests by students becoming a regular feature apart from alleg of casteism and sexual harassment. Absence of a regular Vice-Chancellor for over two years had its effect on the administration too with none to take firm decisions.

A CBI probe is on into the allegations of misappropriation' of funds, appointments and construction of new bu on the campus. Students have been questioning the credentials of some Executive Council members appointed have also levelled charges against the Vice-Chancellor (in-charge). Few months ago even the faculty was up in a against the Government over the delay in V-C's appointment. The series of events over the last two years led to impression that EFLU's image has been sullied and the time has come for some stringent and meaningful meas

In this backdrop Vice-Chancellor (in-charge), Amritavalli, who took charge as the head by the virtue of being th senior-most professor in November 2011, and the students representing various sections present their points of to R. Ravikanth Reddy.

University's image has taken a beating with regular protests. The current political situation in the adjoining Os University (OU) also had its impact on us. But despite some unsavoury developments the academic schedule is track. Exams are being held on time and results are also out in time. I appreciate the faculty and students for it

This campus of 23 acres was initially aimed at offering only diploma courses. Aspirations of students are chang a university we can't remain static and we need to change with the time. Perhaps, the university did not create infrastructure necessary keeping in tune with the rapid pace with which new courses were introduced increasin student strength enormously. Since all students want to stay on campus there are some issues with hostel accommodation and we are trying to address the issue on a regular basis.

With regard to allegations of casteism we have set up the UGC mandatory committees to deal with SC and ST students' issues. In fact, several BCs also have representation on some committees. We follow all the norms in ta action in cases related to caste discrimination as per UGC guidelines. On the charges of sexual harassment aga teacher, he was on contract and his services were terminated. The police are investigating the case.

Appointment of EC members is not in the purview of students. People with some distinction in academic or pu can be appointed and the committee was lawfully constituted. The people in question were appointed by the Pr of India as her nominees. It is unfair to suggest that they were favoured by some individuals. With regard to th teachers on the EC they were promoted as professors long time ago and its not proper to say they are just reade There are several thoughts and opinions on an issue and they may not be true always.

We are cooperating with the CBI on the enquiry into violation of norms and misappropriation. We are duty-bo share information with them and it is for them to conduct enquiry and submit the report. As of now all the construction activity is frozen. We can take action only when the report is submitted.

A committee has been constituted to study the feasibility of making Pochampally campus functional and it has asked to make recommendations. Effort is also on to start campuses in Kerala and Haryana. The Kerala Educat Minister also visited the campus here recently.

I am always available and respond to discuss problems of students. In fact, I have democratised the decision-m
.thehindu.com/ne s/states/andhra-pradesh/article2907951.ece?css=print 1/3

3/25/12

The Hindu : States / Andhra Pradesh : EFLU at logjam

and issues are addressed to taking in confidence the Deans and other departmental heads. The institution is no single person's fiefdom. Students take

With regard to the Executive Council objections, P.L. Sanjiva Reddy is a retired bureaucrat and also a member board of directors of a number of large business ventures like Lanco, Vizag Bottling Company, Kamineni Hospi Aurobindo Pharma. His qualifications as former bureaucrat and entrepreneur do not in any way make him an appropriate candidate. Mr. Kishan Rao was a conferred IAS officer and does not even possess a Ph.D. Mr. Chita Das is only a retired degree college principal.

The university professors, Meenakshi Reddy and Nirupama Rastogi are ineligible for appointment to the EC as were granted promotion to professor under Personal Promotion Scheme, which has not received full clearance the UGC, and has been roundly criticised in various financial audits. Mr. T. Sriraman, who was also promoted this scheme retired with the designation of Reader and not professor.

The meeting of Deans and Heads of department that rejected our charges did not reach any consensus. Several members were not present at the meeting and there was also opposition to V-Cs proposal that the nomination Meenakshi Reddy and Nirupama Rastogi be upheld. We also question the validity of the proceedings since both present at the meeting.

Police force was used against students outside the venue o the hotel where the EC meeting was on. The V-C also allowed the police to manhandle the group of seven representatives that went into the hotel premises to meet th council. The V-C cannot absolve herself of the responsibility of this incident, since it happened in her presence.

We demand transparent functioning of the university, progress on appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancello a concrete statement against the future entry of police on campus. We reiterate non-negotiable demand regard presence of civil liberties representatives in the inquiry committee.

The new medical insurance scheme being proposed is to serve the interests of people who have close links with hospital. The proposed construction of compound wall around the Pochampally campus is also related to real e interests of EC member.

The administration has been apathetic to conditions of students living in various hostels, and eating in the overcrowded messes. The V-C has targeted agitating students and has attempted to silence them with disciplin action. She has been complicit in the perpetuation of casteist practices on campus by virtue of her inaction on charges of casteist remarks by a senior faculty member in the School of Foreign Languages.

The CBI has brought out its report on gross financial irregularities worth Rs.33 crore in campus development w over the last few years. We demand a thorough investigation into the charges and that appropriate action be ta against those involved. Keywords: EFLU, foreign languages
Sha e

Ads by Google Act In Aashiqui 2 Become The Next Big Bollywod Star. Upload Your Audition Video Now! YouTube.com/Aashiqui2 Sharda University MBA UGC Approved | 100% Placements Admission Open For MBA. ApplyNow! Sharda.ac.in/Admissions-2012
.thehindu.com/ne s/states/andhra-pradesh/article2907951.ece?css=print 2/3

3/25/12

The Hindu : States / Andhra Pradesh : EFLU at logjam

Hyderabad Flat Sale Low Price, Superior Quality. 2BHK in Bachupally at 22 Lacs (Neg) www.googlepages.com

Printable v ersion | Mar 2 5, 2 01 2 1 1 :4 3 :1 1 AM | http://www.thehindu.com /news/states/andhra-pradesh/article2 9

.thehindu.com/ne s/states/andhra-pradesh/article2907951.ece?css=print

3/3