Jaipur: Governor Haribhau Bagde on Thursday ordered the immediate removal of Professor Dev Swarup from the positions of Vice-Chancellor of Baba Amte Divyang University and Acting Vice-Chancellor of Vishwakarma Skill University. The action follows allegations of irregularities in appointments made during Swarup's tenure at the University of Rajasthan.
Background of the Complaint
The decision was taken in consultation with the state government after complaints alleged fraudulent practices and arbitrary appointments during Swarup's term as Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan University in 2011-12 and the selection process of 2013-14. According to a statement from the Governor's office, complainant Prem Lata Singaria of Jaipur accused Swarup of bypassing university rules and University Grants Commission (UGC) provisions to favor selected candidates over deserving applicants. The complaint was filed under the category of 'Injustice against a woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste.'
Inquiry Committee Findings
Following the complaint, the Governor constituted a three-member high-level inquiry committee headed by Kota University Vice-Chancellor Bhagwati Prasad Saraswat. The committee's report conclusively established that during his tenure as VC, Dev Swarup acted in contravention of established rules and UGC provisions. He arbitrarily convened selection-related meetings and recorded their minutes in a manner that deviated from standard procedural norms.
The report further stated that Swarup fabricated forged, counterfeit, and false documents to deceitfully secure appointments for his favored candidates. It also found that despite being eligible, complainant Premlata Singaria was awarded lower marks for academic records and research work. While favored candidates received up to 49 out of 50 marks in interviews and subject knowledge assessment, Singaria was awarded only 10 marks.
New Appointments
In the wake of the removal, the Governor has directed Professor Tribhuvan Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of RAJUVAS, to take additional charge of Baba Amte Divyang University. Meanwhile, Professor N.K. Pandey of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication will hold additional charge of Vishwakarma Skill University.
This development underscores the state government's commitment to ensuring transparency and adherence to rules in higher education appointments. The inquiry report has been made public to maintain accountability.
