DVAC probes irregularities in Manonmaniam Sundarnar University

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) has launched an enquiry into various alleged irregularities in Manonmaniam Sundarnar University and demanded several key files and registers to be furnished at the earliest.

The enquiry by DVAC comes in the wake of The New Indian Express exposing irregularities in distance education programmes of the varsity.

Sources said a detailed enquiry has been ordered and DVAC has sought files relating to construction of buildings during the tenure of the registrar Dr S Manickam besides files relating to appointments made for teaching as well as non-teaching staff in Manonmaniam Sundarnar University made during his tenure.

The DVAC has also sought files relating to granting of permission distance education courses in Manonmaniam Sundarnar University during the registrar’s tenure.

Sources said DVAC is also looking into senate approval list of admission in B.Ed programme, allotment of study centers of Manonmaniam Sundarnar University, recruitment and promotions of teaching and non-teaching staff besides the register and files relating to fuel bill claims for vehicles and generators.

Interestingly, university sources question the enquiry stating that how could the enquiry be fair when the registrar, against who the probe is ordered, continues to be in power. “The law secretary who is also the Chairman of Convener's Committee of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University should not allow Manickam to handle confidential files,” they claim.

Surprisingly, the enquiry by DVAC comes in the wake of surprise check by auditors from Comptroller and Auditor General office recently.

Meanwhile, there have been moves by the University authorities to replace R Ramesh, the acting distance education director, who blew the whistle regarding irregularities in the varsity, by filling the post with a new nominee. “The advertisement to fill up the post at this juncture is too fishy and the government should ensure that till the probe is completed Ramesh should not be transferred and also given police protection,” university sources added.