Surat: A letter written by four syndicate members of the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) raked up a controversy on Monday.In the letter, syndicate members have alleged that the senior-most professor of mathematics department of the university was not being made head of department (HOD) because he belonged to a minority community.Syndicate members Sanjay Desai, Mahendra Chauhan, Ghanshyam Rawal and Kirit Patel wrote to NCM after VNSGU authorities did not act on several reminders to appoint senior-most professor M G Timol (60) as full-time HOD of the mathematics department.The controversy over the issue started in June after the then HOD of mathematics department Harish Doctor retired. Timol was made the in-charge HOD.“In case of chemistry department, K C Patel retired as HOD on October 21, 2017, and next day N B Patel was made HOD by syndicate. But the university is not showing that level of swiftness in appointment of Timol. Is it because he is from the minority community?” questioned Desai.VNSGU VC Shivendra Gupta said that he was not aware of any such complaint made to the NCM by the syndicate members. “Since there is confusion about seniority I have formed a four-member committee to inquire into the matter,” he said.According to the VNSGU sources, another professor from the mathematics department has claimed seniority stating that though he became professor late compared to Timol, he was appointed through direct recruitment. Hence, his seniority should be considered. Interestingly, sources added that the professor claiming seniority is one of Timol’s student.When contacted, Timol refused to comment on the issue. “I did not ask for the post and it is up to the university to take appropriate decision,” he said.Timol did his PhD in applied mechanics from the Regional Engineering College in Surat and has been working as teacher in the department since past 35 years. A total of 20 students have completed PhD under Timol, while 19 did MPhil under his guidance. He has also published 168 research papers.

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