PUDUCHERRY: The Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University Chandra Krishnamurthy has issued an official order dated October 24, relieving Raajiv Yaduvanshi from the post of Registrar of the university and repatriating him to his parent department - the Ministry of Home Affairs - with immediate effect. The action is believed to be based on a letter from Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on October 20, signaling clearance for the repatriation.
However, sources pointed out that para 9 of the cited Office Memorandum clearly states that as and when a situation arises for premature reversion to the parent cadre of the deputationist, his services could be so returned after giving an advance notice of at least three months to the lending Ministry/Department and the employee concerned.
Yaduvanshi, however, was instantly relieved without adherence to the notice procedure, sources said adding that the order reached the Registrar office after working hours. Sources said there was no communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs, to the V-C, seeking the immediate repatriation of Yaduvanshi. In fact, there has been no communication at all from the Cadre Controlling Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs or from Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) which approved the deputation, sources said. Therefore, the relieving order issued to Yaduvanshi was not valid in law, sources added.
Meanwhile, Yaduvanshi, referred to the procedure contemplated in the Office Memorandum dated June 17, 2010 of the DoPT, in para 9, was mandatory and must be complied with.
“Proper consent/approval/order from Ministry of Home Affairs has to be obtained. The repatriation has to be processed for him to take up the new assignment. Therefore, the relieving order may be kept in abeyance, pending necessary approval and notice period,” he said.
It may be recalled that the V-C took steps to repatriate Yaduvanshi after convening a special executive council meeting on June 25 hastily despite a direction from MHRD not to repatriate Yaduvanshi on July 2. The V-C had to make a hasty retreat following another order from MHRD on July 4.
It may also be recalled that a two-member fact-finding committee, was constituted by MHRD to enquire into the complaints made by the Registrar against the V-C. Though the committee, heard both the V-C and the Registrar on August 23, it is yet to submit its report.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee of Pondicherry University Staff Welfare Associations said the relieving order had not followed the due procedure and while the fact-finding committee proceedings were underway, it is improper and motivated and must be withdrawn immediately.