Compelled to compromise on many issues, but didn't give in'.
Chennai: In an unprecedented letter to all the faculty members of the University of Madras, P. David Jawahar, the registrar of the university, while defending funds diversion, has levelled some serious allegations against some individuals.
With about 28 days left until the close of his tenure in the university, he wrote an open letter to all the faculty members on Monday.
In a veiled reference, he said he is being targeted for not compromising on several issues. “I had been compelled to compromise on several issues. Not once have I given in and compromised on any of the issues that matter to the University of Madras”, he said in the letter. But he stopped short of saying who compelled him.
The Professors’ Forum of Madras University has demanded an inquiry into the diversion of funds to the tune of Rs.5 crore by the university officials. In a petition to the Governor’s office, the forum alleged that the funds meant for Nanoscience centre were diverted and paid to a building contractor without following norms.
Explaining the details of the funds’ diversion, “At least for the past five years, the financial position of the university has necessitated the transfer of funds for payment of salary, electricity charges and litigation,” the registrar said in that letter.
He further said, “In the university budget estimate itself, you can find a provision under the head “Adjustment of Heads - Transfers”. This very clearly signifies that this transfer of funds from one head to another head is not only legal, but a well-accepted accounting procedure in any institution.”
Denying the accusation that the said payment was done without the approval of the syndicate, he said: “The payments were approved in the syndicate meetings held on July 25, 2014, and December 22, 2014.”
On the other accusation that only one member of the syndicate committee had approved the payment, he claimed two members of the syndicate committee had approved it. “The records in my possession prove that two members had signed the file. Surprisingly, the third member did not put a dissent or objection to the payment,” he said.
He also pointed out that registrar cannot make any payment beyond the value of Rs 1 lakh without the approval of the vice-chancellor or syndicate committee. “Therefore, the accusation that the registrar siphoned off funds is ridiculous,” he claimed.
A syndicate member from the university said, “As a registrar, he cannot send any letter to the faculty members on his own. He should get the permission of the syndicate committee or Vice-Chancellor to send any official communication. It’s a blunder.”
When contacted P. David Jawahar said, “This is not an official letter or circular from the registrar. I am duty bound to tell people. I cannot speak in the syndicate, senate or academic council due to the statutory restrictions. So, I only defended myself.”
