New Delhi: Even after three years of his retirement from Delhi University, Pondicherry University Vice Chancellor Gurmeet Singh continues to occupy the official lodging allotted to him by his former employer with Rs 23 lakh pending in dues, in line with official paperwork. However, Singh claimed that originally, the delay to vacate the lodging on the Delhi University (DU) North Campus was as a result of Covid-induced lockdowns, after which later as a result of incorrect calculation of dues by the varsity in addition to paucity of time at his finish. He additionally accused the varsity of treating him unfairly and holding Rs 50 lakh of his retirement funds.
The newest discover to Singh asking him to vacate the ‘Type-5′ bungalow on the Delhi University’s North Campus’ Cavalry Lines was despatched by the varsity final week.
The DU in its ninth discover to Singh since his retirement additionally mentioned if the property will not be vacated, actions reminiscent of “disconnection of electricity and water connection” to the bungalow could be taken.
“Neither you have vacated the university accommodation nor you have cleared outstanding dues towards damage charges applicable at the rate of 50 times the normal license fees plus water charges. Government of India rules don’t permit stay after retirement beyond six months,” mentioned the DU discover to Singh.
“On the contrary, you have overstayed for a period of over 2 years and 9 months without even paying the penal rent. This has been viewed seriously by the university authorities,” it mentioned.
The DU claimed that the Pondicherry University vice chancellor owes it Rs 23.70 lakh in penal lease and water costs.
A reputed professional in the fields of corrosion chemistry and nanofilm deposition, Singh had taken cost as Pondicherry University vice chancellor in 2017 and has been granted an extension of 1 yr in September final yr.
In addition, Singh can be the vice chancellor of the Gandhigram Rural Institute, a deemed-to-be college in Tamil Nadu. He retired from Delhi University in October 2019 and was speculated to vacate the official lodging by April 2020. Singh confirmed that he has lodging at Pondicherry University too.
“I have served the Delhi university for over 43 years in various capacities and my retirement dues worth Rs 50 lakh are still pending with the university. My grace period to vacate the accommodation ended in April 2020, however, COVID-19-induced lockdowns and movement restrictions did not allow me to vacate the residence and I have been duly informing the university about it despite them treating me unfairly” Singh advised PTI.
“For the past five months, I have been getting letters and notices which have unparliamentary language and this propaganda against me is being spread with an ulterior motive. The amount quoted to me for pending dues is incorrect and I have asked for a correction. Once that is done, I will settle the dues and vacate the accommodation at the earliest,” he mentioned.
Singh additionally mentioned being on the helm of affairs at two necessary universities and private exigencies additionally left him with little time.
The Delhi University had in October final yr issued an eviction order to Singh terming his act as “grave misconduct.”
(*3*) it mentioned.
“This act of the respondent is grave misconduct. Such an act after serving the institution for so many years calls for introspection,” mentioned the eviction order issued by the Delhi University’s Court of Estate Officer.
The eviction order additional famous {that a} “sitting vice chancellor misusing his authority and holding the accommodation in an unauthorised manner beyond stipulated time sets a very bad example for the society and the academic community”. “Defying administrative processes and legal proceedings is serious misconduct and not expected for a person holding public office”, it mentioned.
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