Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday clarified that Siddhartha Acharya to continue as the registrar. Putting an end to the administrative crisis at Dr Y.S.
The order directed that all officers and employees of the university are directed to recognise Acharya as the lawful incumbent of the office of registrar and to extend him all assistance necessary for the discharge of the statutory functions of the office. Acharya continued to hold the post and has informed the state government about the development. The registrar had also questioned the authority behind the decision, maintaining that his appointment was made by the state government. The registrar is the chief administrative officer of the university and is responsible for several core administrative functions.
Paulrasu, read that the university is governed by the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Act, 1986. On the issue concerning the board of management proceedings, he has reportedly said that he acted on written directions issued by the secretary, horticulture, on August 24. Because the registrar’s office occupies a central position in the university’s administrative structure, the dispute is significant.
“In the interest of ensuring faithful observance of the statutory scheme governing the university, it is hereby ordered that the order of vice chancellor is hereby withdrawn and shall be treated as inoperative and without legal effect,” read the order of the state government, setting aside the orders issued by the VC of the university issued on Monday divesting registrar Siddhartha Acharya of his administrative and statutory powers. The registrar, terming the orders of VC as “illegal”, “beyond his jurisdiction” had refused to step down. “The university cannot run on the whims and fancies of one person,” said Acharya.
In an order issued on Tuesday, by secretary for horticulture, agriculture, rural development, and panchayati raj in Himachal Pradesh, C.
The VC’s action against the registrar comes amid a dispute over the functioning of the university’s statutory and administrative machinery. The VC’s order cited allegations including gross misconduct, insubordination, dereliction of duty and failure to comply with directions issued by the VC. One of the issues cited relates to communications received from the board of management. The VC has alleged that certain communications were not placed before him despite directions to do so.
The order also refers to a September 17 communication issued by the registrar directing that no action be taken on decisions and resolutions adopted at a board of management meeting held on August 12.
