Tripura University Now Runs Master of Corruption in Appointment
Jayanta Debnath
December 23, 2024
In a shocking display of alleged corruption and blatant disregard for regulations, Tripura University, a central institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has become a center of controversy. Accusations of gross violations of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines, Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR) - 2023, and internal regulations in recent non-teaching recruitments and promotions have surfaced, shaking the institution to its core.
Flagrant Violations and Irregularities in Recruitment of the university.
Below are some of the most concerning examples of alleged malpractice under the current administration:
1. Appointment of Lalit Prasain (Assistant Engineer):
The most controversial case involves the appointment of Lalit Prasain, son of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University, as Assistant Engineer just 10 days ago. The CRR-2023 mandates a minimum of three years of service experience at Pay Level 6. However, Lalit allegedly had no prior experience in any public organization. Reports claim his selection was based on a manipulated resolution in the 44th Executive Council meeting, which allowed private organization experience to count for candidates from northeast states without Ministry of Education approval. Disturbingly, his private experience certificate is alleged to be fabricated.
This particular addendum to the Cadre Recruitment Rules- 2023 for non-teaching and other academic posts of Tripura University was particularly made by the Executive Council in it's 44th meeting with the hidden agenda of accommodating the VC's son to the post of Assistant Engineer despite his ineligibility. By such arbitrary action the whole Executive Council of Tripura University got involved in the corrupt appointment process. The illegal appointment of Lalit Prasain in Tripura University, where his father is holding the highest administrative position, raised a raging controversy over deprivation of many eligible candidates. Some of such deprived candidates also belong to the PWD of Tripura, who have the eligibility, requisite experience and could serve the Institution far better.
2. Appointment of Sreyashi Sinha (Personal Assistant):
Sreyashi Sinha, a Group C DRW employee, was appointed as Personal Assistant in clear violation of the CRR. The criteria required two years of service as a stenographer and an age limit of 35 years. Ms. Sinha, however, is over 45 years of age and lacks stenography skills or public service experience. She was reportedly granted three illegal relaxations: no service experience, 10 years of age relaxation as a DRW employee, and another five years as an OBC candidate for an unreserved post.
3. Appointment of Kishalay Roy Choudhury (Personal Secretary):
Kishalay Roy Choudhury, an Upper Division Clerk (UDC), was appointed as Personal Secretary despite not meeting the eligibility criteria. The position required three years of experience as a Personal Assistant or five years as a Stenographer, along with an age limit of 35 years. Kishalay lacked both the required experience and stenography skills, raising serious questions about this decision.
4. Appointment of Subrata Nandi (Section Officer):
Subrata Nandi, previously a Security Officer, was appointed as Section Officer without meeting the CRR and DoPT guidelines. He did not fulfill the three-year service requirement as Assistant in Pay Level 6, indicating favoritism in the appointment process.
5. Appointment of Munindra Mishra (Deputy Registrar):
Munindra Mishra, a Hindi Officer, was promoted to Deputy Registrar despite lacking the requisite five years of experience as Assistant Registrar in Pay Level 10. Mishra, part of the Raj Bhasha Service, was allegedly given undue preference due to his proximity to university authorities.
6. Illegal Promotion of Omprakash Jha (Section Officer):
Omprakash Jha, a Hindi Translator, was promoted to Section Officer without meeting the eligibility criteria. The CRR requires three years of experience as an Assistant or eight years as a UDC. Being from the Raj Bhasha Service, he did not belong to the required cadre. Rumours suggest Jha may even receive another illegal promotion tomorrow as Hindi Officer, sparking concerns about systemic corruption.
Demand for Accountability :
These allegations have tarnished Tripura University’s reputation and deeply impacted the morale of students and staff. The rampant nepotism and corruption have triggered widespread outrage among stakeholders who are now demanding swift and decisive action.
The Ministry of Education, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, must take immediate cognizance of these serious allegations. An independent and transparent investigation into these recruitment and promotion irregularities is urgently needed to restore the integrity of this central institution.
It is imperative that the Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University is held accountable for these alleged violations. A leadership change, coupled with strict adherence to recruitment norms, is essential to safeguard the future of Tripura University and uphold the sanctity of higher education in the region.
Author's Note: This article is a call to action for the Prime Minister and the Central Education Ministry to intervene and protect the academic sanctity of Tripura University. The citizens of Tripura and the students of this institution deserve better. The future of higher education in the region must not be jeopardized by corruption and nepotism.
(Tripurainfo)