HRD ministry accused of influencing CBI probe in Sagar varsity job scam

BHOPAL: In a new twist in the alleged multi-crore recruitment scam at Hari Singh Gour Central University in Sagar district, Union Human Resources Development ministry led by Smriti Irani is being accused of forcing university officials to cancel termination of 19 professors. These professors are under CBI scanner for irregularities and securing appointments to the varsity by using unfair means.
Registrar of the university has received three letters from human resources development ministry in last one month favouring tainted professors, said sources.
One of the letters allegedly signed by R P Tiwari, under secretary to government of India reads, "Acting vice-chancellor has overstepped his powers by approving termination of 19 professors. In view of this, you are requested to keep the order of termination of these 19 faculty members in abeyance till a decision is taken on each individual faculty member by the executive council. Furthermore, you are also requested to place this matter in the executive council only after a regular vice-chancellor of the university joins. This has the approval of minister of human resource development."
When TOI contacted R P Tiwari, he feigned ignorance about having made any such communication with HS Gour University, Sagar. "I am not aware about any such letters," Tiwari said.
Meanwhile, whistleblowers of the scam have shot a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing HRD ministry of ?unauthorised interference' in on-going investigations. Even Modi had expressed concern on alleged recruitment scam during his campaign for assembly polls in the state.
On November 19 BJP leader Narendra Modi during an election campaign at Sagar took a dig at Congress over corruption quoting TOI report against authorities of university.
"HRD ministry has no right to interfere in the matter. We have lodged a complaint with Prime Minister and other concerned authorities. It seems an senior officer is trying to influence the investigations," said Deepak Gupta, whose complaint led to a CBI crackdown on the university and registration of multiple FIRs against former VC N S Gajbiye and professors who were allegedly recruited illegally.
In May 2014, CBI raided seven premises in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the scam. Raids were also carried out on the residential premises of Prof Gajbiye in Kanpur, office of VC, office of registrar and residential premises of four assistant professors at Sagar, said sources.
Taking into account the enormity of scam in recruitments in Hari Singh Gour Central University during 2010, CBI had registered three FIRs. The investigating agency is looking into alleged illegal appointment of 153 professors and assistant professors in the prestigious and only central varsity in the state.
Agency has also registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) against then vice-chancellor N S Gajbiye to investigate his alleged role in appointment in commerce, mass communication, English and law departments of the varsity, sources said. Initial investigations revealed some candidates were appointed overlooking their eligibility. Role of screening committee members are also under scanner.
TOI was first to report the alleged scam in its October 29, 2013 edition after a series of complaints were lodged against Gajbiye by professors, who were terminated from the college.
CBI received five complaints while President who is an ex-officio visitor to the university, had also initiated a separate inquiry into the allegations.