IGNOU V-C sent on leave, others in the line now

With Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Vice-Chancellor Professor M Aslam asked to go on leave by Human Resource Development Ministry on Friday, it seems the days of other UPA-appointed V-Cs too are numbered. The varsity officials have confirmed to Millennium Post that the V-C has gone on leave from Friday afternoon and pro-V-C Professor Nageshwar Rao, senior most among three pro-VCs, has taken over for the next one month. IGNOU had got a written communication in this regard on November 18. Aslam decided to proceed on leave on Friday to ensure an ‘unbiased’ probe, the varsity official said.

Notably, the IGNOU V-C is facing inquiry by the HRD Ministry-constituted committee under Gujarat University V-C Syed Bari over some of his controversial decisions. The panel was set up in October to review the functioning of IGNOU and look into the allegations against Aslam. The V-C had hit the headlines for his decision to discontinue the community college scheme that left thousands of students, including soldiers, airmen and sailors without certificates and diplomas. Aslam is also accused of administrative irregularities and wrongdoings in appointment of faculties.

Prof Aslam was appointed as V-C of the country’s largest open varsity during the UPA regime in March 2013. His tenure will end in 2018.