RU prof on hunger strike over removal

Jaipur: A senior professor from Rajasthan University's geography department began an indefinite hunger strike outside the vice-chancellor's secretariat Monday. Professor Mahipal Singh Sihag alleged that he was removed from the post of head of department within four months of joining in July 2023, while officially, the tenure should be for three years. He said that the matter is sub-judice, but a junior professor has been appointed as the head of the department.

In a letter to the vice-chancellor Alpana Kateja, Prof Sihag wrote, "…I would like to state that you are continuously trying to humiliate and harass me by appointing Dr Chandra Vijay Dabaria as head department of geography, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur on Oct 4, 2023, in place of myself…"

"The seniormost professor is made the head of the department, which is a rotational post. After I joined, a false complaint was filed against me due to which I was removed from the post. I approached the courts, but still defying the norms, someone else was made the HOD. I will continue my strike even in this heatwave," said Sihag.

Meanwhile, officials said that all protocols were followed in the selection for the post of HOD. "After Sihag was removed, the then dean of the department was made the HOD, and when the tenure got over, the seniormost professor left was appointed. As the matter is sub-judice, the university cannot take any decision in this regard," said a senior official. tnn

Jaipur: A senior professor from Rajasthan University's geography department began an indefinite hunger strike outside the vice-chancellor's secretariat Monday. Professor Mahipal Singh Sihag alleged that he was removed from the post of head of department within four months of joining in July 2023, while officially, the tenure should be for three years. He said that the matter is sub-judice, but a junior professor has been appointed as the head of the department.

In a letter to the vice-chancellor Alpana Kateja, Prof Sihag wrote, "…I would like to state that you are continuously trying to humiliate and harass me by appointing Dr Chandra Vijay Dabaria as head department of geography, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur on Oct 4, 2023, in place of myself…"

"The seniormost professor is made the head of the department, which is a rotational post. After I joined, a false complaint was filed against me due to which I was removed from the post. I approached the courts, but still defying the norms, someone else was made the HOD. I will continue my strike even in this heatwave," said Sihag.

Meanwhile, officials said that all protocols were followed in the selection for the post of HOD. "After Sihag was removed, the then dean of the department was made the HOD, and when the tenure got over, the seniormost professor left was appointed. As the matter is sub-judice, the university cannot take any decision in this regard," said a senior official. tnn