Surat: Authorities of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) on Wednesday terminated services of associate professor Kirti Matliwala, wife of ex-vice chancellor of the university Dakshesh Thakar.The action came after inquiry into Matliwala’s appointment found it to be unlawful. Matliwala was appointed as associate professor in education department of VNSGU in 2016.Last year, VNSGU had received a complaint alleging irregularities in her appointment. The university authorities had then appointed a three-member committee to inquire into the issue.The panel concluded that Matliwala had completed her PhD from Baba Saheb Ambedkar Open University, which was not considered at par with doctoral study from regular universities. The committee has cited circulars of higher education institutes including University Grants Commission (UGC).The inquiry report was tabled in syndicate meeting of VNSGU and approved recently. Following the decision of syndicate, in-charge registrar of VNSGU issued termination order of Matliwala who is currently on probation.Sources in VNSGU have alleged that the action was taken to settle score with Thakar by a group of office bearers.Despite several attempts VNSGU VC Shivendra Gupta was not available for comments.“When I was appointed there was no such rule as cited by the committee. But after my appointment some fresh guidelines were issued. So, based on the fresh guidelines the university cannot terminate me when I was appointed months before the new guidelines came into force,” said Matliwala, who will be challenging the decision in court.

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