Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar, May 28: Kashmir University is once again abuzz with academic and sports events after Prof Neelofar Khan assumed the charge as first woman VC of the highest seat of learning on May 20.
In one week, the new VC has chaired more than a dozen meetings and directed that all teachers and officials should be punctual and dedicated, otherwise action against them will be initiated, sources told news agency KNT on Saturday.
The VC also interacted with students in Gandhi Bhawan Hall and promised them that all their issues will be addressed by her very soon.
The VC also met Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha on Friday afternoon and, according to a Raj Bhawan press release, she briefed the Chancellor about issues and academic and administrative importance.
Sources said Prof Neelofar is now expected to make changes in the administration to sack those administrators who have been accused of indulging in malpractices and irregularities in the last three years.
Sources said ACB, Crime Branch and CBI have launched preliminary investigation into many complaints against some top university administrators and if these complaints are found to be true, then formal investigation will be taken up after FIR is lodged into these complaints.
“Everyday officials from one or the other investigating agency visit KU to seek documents related to complaints like alleged financial irregularities, alleged DOB frauds, alleged false degrees of officials, alleged over-age of some employees and other complaints,” the sources said.
Insiders in the University are now demanding transparent administration by the new VC without any more delay.
Sources within KU said everyone is looking for changes in administration because some administrators who are sensing their sacking over misconduct are trying to influence and pressurize the new VC through different quarters to not make changes in administration.
“If changes will not be made immediately, then what was the fun of appointing the new VC. What is the fun of all promises and assurances made to faculty and students by the new VC who is being seen as a role model of transparency,” said a teacher wishing anonymity.
As already reported by KNT exclusively a few days ago, the term of Registrar Kashmir University Nisar Ahmad Mir has ended after he completed three years in January. Later on, Chancellor wrote to the ex-VC Talat Ahmed that Nisar Ahmad Mir will continue till the new VC takes charge in the University. KNT is in possession of this document.
However, insiders are disappointed that changes are not being effected by the new VC despite demands for the same.
It may be noted that winds of change are visible at the University of Kashmir. However, VC should make administrative changes without any delay so that promise of transparency and accountability is fulfilled by the new VC, the sources said.
When contacted, Vice-Chancellor Prof Neelofar told news agency Kashmir News Trust that Varsity will definitely witness a change. “I am doing it slowly but of course, there will be change. I have assumed the charge recently and have taken up the issues related to examinations and other things. It will take some time to bring a change in the University,” she said.
When asked that investigating agencies are frequently visiting the Kashmir University seeking details and documents about some officials allegedly involved in malpractices, Professor Neelofar Khan said that action will be initiated against the wrongdoers. “You will see a change in the Kashmir University,” she concluded. (KNT)