Cuttack: Ravenshaw University is facing serious allegations over irregular practices in the promotion of its teaching staff. Claims have been made that several faculty members were promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and from Associate Professor to Professor without adhering to the mandatory rules and procedures.
After the issue came to light, the university authorities set up a special committee to probe the matter. The panel has started reviewing the official records and service documents of the teachers concerned to assess whether they fulfilled the eligibility criteria for promotion. The inquiry team reportedly includes five senior officials from the university administration.
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In recent months, following the promotion of some faculty members through the merger of their previous service, many others have also applied for similar benefits. These applications involve recognition of past service and fresh salary fixation. The committee is now examining all such requests to determine their validity.
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University officials have stated that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is completed, if any violations or irregularities are established.
As per existing regulations, faculty promotions in universities must follow a structured process in line with guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the State Higher Education Department, and provisions of the University Act. These norms are meant to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.
However, allegations suggest that at Ravenshaw University, several of these norms were bypassed. Concerns have been raised over opaque procedures in promotions, salary adjustments, and recognition of prior service. It is also alleged that substantial amounts of public funds were disbursed as arrears to certain promoted faculty members.
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Following multiple complaints, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sanjay Kumar Nayak directed that a detailed inquiry be conducted. Accordingly, a five-member committee was formed to review both previous promotions and fresh applications.
The committee is chaired by Professor Dharmabrata Mohapatra, Chairman of the Postgraduate Council. Other members include the Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Registrar Kahnu Charan Mallick, Professor Patitapaban Das, and Professor Luna Samanta.
While the probe is still underway, sources indicate that several discrepancies have already emerged. However, the actual extent of the alleged irregularities and the number of faculty members affected will only be known after the final report is submitted. Meanwhile, Professor Dharmabrata Mohapatra, who is also the committee convener, has rejected the allegations.
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