PU senate to discuss teacher's re-designation

The Panjab University senate on Sunday will discuss a case of re-designation of a faculty member at Department of Indian Theater, which has already raised question about the working of the varsity.

Stage craft teacher (technical) Shveta Mahendra's name was cleared for re-designation as an assistant professor, since her appointment in 2000, by the Panjab University Syndicate in its April 2013 meeting, despite the fact that a university committee had rejected her candidature on the grounds of qualifications.

Mahendra's case was forwarded by the department concerned for re-designation as an assistant professor in April 2012, upon which the vice-chancellor set up a committee.

The committee in its report rejected her candidature saying that she did not fulfill the required qualification for the post.

However, the case came before the syndicate in its April 2013 meeting, where it was cleared that Mahendra has been enjoying professional benefits since she was employed in 2000.

Mahendra, a stage craft teacher, has a Bachelor's degree with BEd and a one-year diploma from Panjab University. She was recruited in 1999 and her services became regularised in 2000. Sources in the department say, Mahendra does not teach and as per her profile, she is employed in technical capacity.

Those against the case are claiming that as per UGC guidelines, the candidate to be considered for the post of assistant professor must possess a Master's degree and clear the National Eligibility Test (NET). Those holding PhD degree are exempted of NET.

However, professional artists with first class degree from National School of Drama or any other approved institution in India along with five years of regular acclaimed performance are also considered.

Mahendra does not fall in any of these categories, say sources. If her appointment is approved by the senate, the varsity will have to extend the benefits of an assistant professor to her from the date of her employment in 2000.

Other casesbefore senate:

The senate is also likely to discuss, the appointments of dean, student welfare, Navdeep Goyal, among others, which took place in August, just before the student council elections. The controversy surrounding PU student council polls and allegations of rigging by some student groups may become ground for discussion on the appointment of DSW as it took place merely a month ahead of the elections.

The senate is likely to discuss grading of students' attendance system in engineering department. The senate will also discuss the sanction of `48 lakh for the renovation of university's outer reading hall and construction of two children parks on the campus at a cost of approximately `15 lakh. Apart from this, the senate may discuss the issue of deliberations with Punjab government on poor financial condition of PU constituent colleges in the state as the university is spending around `7 crore on these colleges every year, but earnings are merely around `1.5 crore.

A PU committee had recommended fee hike in BA, BCom and BSc courses in these colleges and allowed them to increase number of seats. There will be around 75 matters for the senate's consideration and 28 items for ratification, apart from some supplementary issues.