File Photo: Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin
The union government today rejected Nobel laureate Amartya Sen's contention that it does not want him to continue as Nalanda University Chancellor. The government has clarified that there was no attempt to "curtail" his tenure and claimed that it was yet to receive the approved minutes of the Governing Board of Nalanda University (GBNU).
Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said that the ministry cannot act as it was yet to receive the approved minutes of the meeting of the Governing Board of Nalanda University which happened last month.
However, Dr Sen said the minutes were sent a fortnight ago, and virtually everyone has confirmed the minutes except the ministry.
Dr Sen, who has long been a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter to the GBNU withdrew his candidature for a second term as Nalanda University Chancellor. He blamed the absence of the government's approval for the delay in giving the nod from the Visitor, President Pranab Mukherjee, to his name even though the recommendation was sent to him over a month ago.
"This delay, as well as the uncertainty involved, is leading, in effect, to a decisional gap, which is not helpful to Nalanda University's governance and its academic progress.
"I have, therefore, decided that in the best interest of Nalanda University, that I should exclude myself from being considered for continuing as chancellor beyond this July, despite the unanimous recommendation and urging of the governing board for me to continue," Dr Sen wrote in his letter.
Mr Akbaruddin said that in the draft minutes of the GBNU, there were two options - either to continue with Dr Sen or the Visitor (Mukherjee) seeking three shortlisted names from the Board to appoint the successor of the Nobel laureate.
"It was up to the Visitor to take a decision," the Mr Akbaruddin added.