HYDERABAD: Amid strong demand for his resignation, University of Hyderabad vice-chancellor Prof P Appa Rao has said that he is ready to quit the post if students and varsity feel that he is not the right person to hold the position. Following the suicide of a Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, the VC said he was deeply saddened with the loss and added that he was distressed over intervention of political parties in campus matters.
Talking about action against five scholars, he said, varsity has limited the punishment just to expulsion from hostel, keeping in view their academic career. Suspension from the semester would have ruined their career and chances to get fellowships, he said in an interview with Express.
Both ABVP president Susheel and ASA members were involved in the fight that took place on the campus last August. But action was taken only against ASA members. Why?
It was the decision of proctorial board. After examining the facts and evidences, the board held five of the ASA members guilty and took action. It was a collective decision. Both the parties had submitted their explanations which were examined by the committee members. No action was taken against Susheel because the board found no evidence to prove him guilty.
But, how do you justify social boycott of students for breach of discipline?
First, I would like to clarify that it was not a social boycott. They were expelled only from hostels. We made sure that their academics were not affected. They were allowed to attend classes and had access to all facilities like library and labs. We have limited the expulsion only to hostels, because suspension from semester would have severely damaged their academic career. Any disciplinary action affecting academics would also block the sanction of fellowships. We were concerned about their future.
They have been protesting on the campus for a week. Did you try to meet them personally and address their demands?
I have not met them personally. But our officials, including the dean of students welfare, have been in touch with them. All the officials represent the VC. It is not necessary for me to address each and every issue of the university. I believe in team work, my colleagues will represent me on any issue concerning students. They have been explaining to the students about the complications involved in revoking suspension as matter is before the HC.
Was there a political pressure to expel them?
There was absolutely no political pressure on any of the university officials, including myself. Like I said earlier, it was the collective decision taken by the proctorial board.
Now students are demanding your resignation. Would you take responsibility and quit the post?
I believe that I have taken every possible step to resolve this issue. Students and my colleagues know that I am committed to keeping the university out of controversies. If they still feel I am not capable of holding this position, I will quit.
Are political parties involved in campus issues?
I am aware of it. But we are certainly not happy with the intervention of political parties in campus matters. As an autonomous institute, we would like to resolve issues within varsity.