Over the last two weeks the Pondicherry University campus witnessed protests demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor amidst allegations of mismanagement.
Students of the Pondicherry University have temporarily withdrawn their strike, and were joined by many members of the faculty in celebrations by dancing and distributing sweets, a day after its Vice Chancellor, Dr Chandra Krishnamoorthy, went on a week-long leave, reportedly on instructions from the Human Resources Development (HRD) ministry. A section of students also vandalised some class rooms.
Over the last two weeks the campus witnessed protests demanding Dr Krishnamoorthy's removal amidst allegations of plagiarism, fake publications and mismanagement.
Dr N Dastagir Reddy, General Secretary of the Pondicherry University Teachers' Association claims "Her entire CV is a fake. For instance she claims to have published three books. We could trace only one and that too is 98 per cent plagiarised and the publisher has withdrawn it".
Dr Krishnamoorthy is also accused of high handedness and over-crowding hostels in the campus.
A post-graduate student, Niharika N said, "Lots of human rights violations on the campus. She's basically running a goonda raj inside". Another student, Shalini G Panicker is worried about her future. She said "We don't want our certificates signed by a person who has plagiarised".
So far Dr Kirshnamoorthy has refused to speak to the media, as the matter is in court. Sources close to her say that she is being targeted for cracking down on a Rs 25 crore equipment purchase scam. They claim that the Centre has reduced funds from Rs 300 crore to Rs 146 crore, while the strength of students has gone up from 1,200 to 3,000, while no new buildings for hostels have been sanctioned.
Dr Krishnamoorthy was appointed as Vice Chancellor during the UPA regime in 2013. A Professor who did not want to be named said, "This as political vendetta now that the BJP is in power". The local BJP unit has denied this.
The HRD ministry has appointed a two member enquiry committee to meet students and teachers to try and resolve the issue.