HRD Ministry to set up committee to probe allegations against Visva Bharati VC

Union HRD Ministry has decided to set up a committee to enquire into alleged administrative irregularities committed by Visva Bharati University Vice-Chancellor Sushanta Duttagupta, amid criticism that he was resorting to an "autocratic" style of functioning.

The Committee, likely to be headed by Education Secretary Vrinda Swarup, would seek an explanation from the VC about the allegations, officials in the Ministry said. Recently, questions were raised on the Vice Chancellor's style of functioning in the Parliament by Congress MP P Bhattacharya who claimed that the "present situation of the University was extremely grave".

"Academic atmosphere has been thoroughly jeopardised and the Vice-Chancellor is functioning in an autocratic manner," the Congress MP had said in Rajya Sabha during a discussion. He had accused the VC of appointing a Controller of Examinations despite having no powers to do so, and sanctioned key posts in violation of the Visva Bharati Act. Terming it as "unfortunate and illegal", Bhattacharya had alleged that the VC, who is retired person, was drawing pension equal to his salary.