A University In Disarray

Manipur University constituents demand the removal of vice chancellor; agitation enters several weeks

- Jeijei Newme

Manipur University has been in the spotlight for more than a month now. It has witnessed a series of incidents related to the demand for removal of the Vice Chancellor, Adya Prasad Pandey. Almost everyone in the State is eager to see what happens next and pondering whether the imbroglio will come to an end any time soon.

It all revolves around the demand that the Vice Chancellor, who was appointed in October 24, 2016, should resign or be removed from his post. The Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) claimed that since Pandey assumed office, the University witnessed mismanagement in the academic and administrative fields, creating hardship for students, teaching staff and nonteaching staff.

The Charges

MUSU is spearheading the agitation which started on May 30. In about a week, the agitation intensified when the total shutdown strike was launched. So far, six deans and all the heads of departments, 32 in total, have rendered resignations in support of the students’ demand for the removal of Pandey.

The Union claims that it was compelled to launch the agitation as the competent authority failed to address the issue through dialogue. MUSU has compiled a 15-pointer allegation against Pandey proving his ‘irresponsibility and incompetency’. The VC seems to be away from the varsity for long periods. He also violated the Manipur University Act, 2005 Section 22, which makes it mandatory for a court meeting to assess the current financial year’s performance and prepare annual objectives for the succeeding year.