Pachauri Goes on Leave, TERI Says His New Role Only to Ensure 'Smooth Transition'

NEW DELHI: Amid outrage over his appointment as TERI's Executive Vice Chairman, R K Pachauri today proceeded on leave and will skip TERI University's convocation on March 7, even as the green body said in his new role the environmentalist will ensure a "smooth transition" in the organisation.

Despite battling allegations of multiple sexual harassment, Pachauri, the Director General of TERI and Vice Chancellor of TERI University, was recently elevated to the newly created post of Executive Vice Chairman, a move which triggered severe critisism from the alumuni and women activists across the country. Pachauri's decision to proceed on leave came after a group of students refused to receive degrees from him.

"Yes, he is on leave. I can confirm this as his position as Chancellor of the TERI University. As Chancellor, he is on leave. He communicated this today. "The convocation is on March 7. He (Pachauri) would not be attending it," Rajiv Seth, acting VC of TERI varsity told PTI. Some alumni of 2013-2015 batch, had yesterday written to Seth saying the recent "inaction" of the board of management at TERI University with respect to Pachauri "deeply saddened" them.

Amid the outrage over Pachauri's elevation and apprehension about his weilding greater powers in his new position, The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) said, "The Governing Council has appointed Ajay Mathur as DG with full executive powers to run the organisation. Dr RK Pachauri's role is to ensure a smooth transition to the new DG.

"The Governing Council is meeting again tomorrow and will issue a detailed statement on the roles, responsibilities and leadership at TERI. Till then we urge you to avoid any speculation on the matter," a TERI spokesperson said in a statement.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com