Principal secretary to the higher education department A Karthik sent a letter to the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) registrar, stating that a resolution passed by the syndicate to revise pay scale was not implemented. Karthik said that the concerned administrative officials, including the registrar, be made liable for the loss of interest and dereliction of duty.
Meanwhile, educationists raised their objections to the letter.
Government order 58 stated that as per university statutes, the government is not obligated to provide salaries, pensions or any grants to the university, and also imposed certain conditions on MKU authorities.
Karthik stated that he has told the state government that when a university poorly defends government orders or willfully disobeys them, the request for state support is not appropriate, and in the current scenario, the funds can only be released based on MKU’s commitment to the reforms.
Based on the fulfilment of conditions imposed in the government order, block grants will be considered for the next year. Karthik also insisted that revision of pay for serving and retired employees should be ensured before the funds are released.
However, educationists vehemently opposed the letter.
Former vice-chancellor of Anna University, E Balagurusamy opined that the GO, stating that the government is not obligated to provide salaries, pensions or grants, was just about skipping accountability and responsibility.
“It is wrong on the part of the state government. If the GO is challenged in court, the government must provide answers. If there is any issue in the university, all syndicate members, including secretaries of the higher education department, the legal department and the finance department are equally responsible. Only the vice-chancellor or the registrar cannot make a decision. Faulting only the vice-chancellor and the registrar is unbecoming of the state government.”
Speaking to TNIE, retired professor and office bearer of the Save Higher Education Forum, S Krishnaswamy said the letter has the same ‘threatening tone’ as the GO. “It is strange that even though the government has ex-officio members in the syndicate, why do they not take up these concerns when syndicate meetings are held or the minutes are circulated," he said.
Any self-respecting state government and its machinery will fix the financial crisis, which affects nearly 1,400 people, and take measures to correct any previous wrongdoings," Krishnaswamy added.
Speaking to TNIE, MKU vice-chancellor J Kumar said the university authorities have taken all steps to fulfil the conditions issued by the higher education department.
A senior professor from MKU termed MKU as the pride of Tamil Nadu, and faulted the state government order "If the state has no obligation to provide salaries or pensions, why is it giving salaries to faculty of Annamalai University," he asked.
Karthik could not be reached for comment.