Based on findings of a special audit team of the State government, appointed to assess financial and other irregularities in Annamalai University, Governor K Rosaiah on Saturday placed under suspension M Ramanathan, vice-chancellor of the university, with immediate effect.
The Governor, in his communication to Ramanathan, said, pending investigation into the maladministration and financial irregularities that took place in the university, the suspension would continue until further orders.
The move has come days after the State government appointed Shiv Das Meena, a senior IAS officer, as administrator of the university.
The special audit team, in its report submitted to the State government said there were financial irregularities including diversion of funds running into several crores of rupees and misappropriation of funds in Annamalai University.
The Senate and Syndicate to whom the audit report was forwarded have admitted that there have been diversion of funds to hospital, irregularities in the Provident Fund and Contributory Pension Fund and non-remittance of pension contribution. There were also lapses in collecting dues and appointments were made in excess.
“As principal executive officer of the university, vested with various powers including the power to appoint clerical and other staff, the vice-chancellor is responsible for proper functioning of the university. It has become necessary to investigate the matter, from all angles, in particular with respect to the working of the institution, persons responsible for the maladministration and financial irregularities and the role played by you as the vice-chancellor/principal executive officer,” the Governor said and added that the lapses had occurred on account of maladministration and lack of control over the functioning of the university.