PATIALA: Punjabi University , which as per its rules must hold 11 syndicate meetings in a year, has only held five meetings in the last two years. According to the university authorities, absence of government nominees was the major reason behind lesser number of meetings.Meanwhile, questioning the working of the university authorities, some senior professors said delays in holding syndicate meetings had impacted numerous university-related decisions.Taking a jibe at the functioning of the university, a senior professor, Pushpinder Singh Gill, alleged that the university authorities tried to save faculty members, who were named in inquiries marked during the term of former officiating vice-chancellor Anurag Verma for various alleged frauds."The university has already postponed the decision over some of the submitted inquiries without any reason," he said. Gill added that he had submitted one of the 16 inquiries reports over alleged frauds in the university."After March 2018, the next meeting was held in October, which was completely unethical. What is even worse is that decisions are now taken solely by some key members, including the VC, and no discussion takes place. In the past, a syndicate meeting would last for over two to three hours, however, recent meetings do not last for more than 15 minutes. The powers of vice-chancellor are being misused," Gill said.He said that the promotions of many employees have been suspended and the functioning of the university has come to standstill."There was no plan to hold a budget meeting earlier this month. The meeting was called in emergency, following the upcoming general elections. Even the national budget is being passed in February. The budget has to be approved by the government after it is passed by the university," the professor said.Cases related to appointment of faculty members, their transfers and other crucial decisions are hardly discussed in the meetings - approvals on which are now taken directly from the VC," said another senior professor.Refuting the allegations, Registrar Punjabi University, Manjit Singh Nijjar, said, "It is true that lesser number of meetings are being held. However, we need key members appointed by the government to also take part in the meetings. We are forced to cancel the meetings in the absence of key government members. I have requested the VC to discuss and decide mandates of the budget meeting, which is scheduled to be held soon."Last year, the university had held a syndicate meeting on January 24, March 19 and October 9. The syndicate had then approved an increase in monthly salaries of assistant professors and instructors working in various constituent colleges from Rs 21,600 to Rs 30,000 and from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,500, respectively. The authorities also allowed benefits and privileges, which are permissible to regular teachers. The salary of all categories of contractual employees, having served in the university for a minimum of five years, was also enhanced by Rs 1,000 per month. Such employees were also absorbed in the university after a proper screening and verification process.

Stay updated with all the Latest Ludhiana headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.