AMU teachers protest V-C order to declare assets

AMU spokesperson Rahat Abrar said that the Human Resource Development Ministry in 2006 had sent a circular to all central universities with directions for the teaching and non-teaching staff to submit their property returns. “That order has not been complied with in the university so far. Now,the V-C has set a deadline of October 15,” Abrar said.

Sources said the V-C had last month sent a circular to all departments,asking teachers and other staff to declare their properties. As no one complied,he fixed the deadline as October 15 and made an announcement at the teachers’ meeting.

The university has provided a proforma in which the staff has to give details,like the address of the property,present value,how acquired,whether purchased or taken on lease or inherited,date of acquisition and annual income from the property. The declaration is to be made in accordance with the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rule 1964.

AMU Teachers Association president Professor Abdul Qaiyyum said,“I will not submit my property returns before other senior authorities like the V-C,pro V-C and registrar submit theirs,” Qaiyyum said.

He said the V-C had used his emergency powers to implement the HRD Ministry’s order,which was not required. He said the university was supposed to adopt the order after getting consent of the Academic Council and the Executive Council. The teachers’ association has decided to take legal opinion to check whether teachers are governed under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rule 1964 or not.

During his interaction with the teachers,the V-C also said that the consumption of cigarette,gutkha,paan and tobacco on the campus should be avoided and everyone should work to keep the campus clean and healthy. Sources said that many teachers objected to this suggestion also,though no one wanted to come on record.