Before NMML head’s permanent appointment, the DoPT objections

The NMML’s memorandum of association says the director can be appointed by the executive council on government-approved terms and conditions. The DoPT, which is headed by the PM, asked for a copy ofthe MoA; ministry officials said it was never sent.

Rangarajan’s extension was rushed through in a fortnight in the last days of the UPA with the ministry putting up the proposal for approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on April 30. It was cleared just days ahead of the election results, and the order issued on May 14.

Rangarajan’s three-year term ends in August. He was appointed in July 2011 on “deputation” from University of Delhi although the rules allow only direct recruitment. His permanent absorption allows him to serve as director until his superannuation in April 2024.

The DoPT also objected to the absence of an “integrated vigilance clearance” from University of Delhi — Rangarajan’s parent organisation — and NMML, which is necessary before the ACC’s approval. The ministry only submitted vigilance clearance from NMML, saying a similar consent “was being obtained” from the university.

The Indian Express emailed a questionnaire to Rangarajan asking if he was ever approached for his version on these issues, and seeking his views. “I would like to formally decline any and all comment,” Rangarajan replied.

A 13-point query from DoPT on May 5 shows it had raised the non-adherence to rules in allowing Rangarajan to get a grade pay of Rs 10,000 with pay protection. It said the post was for a grade pay of Rs 8,900 and pay protection for a higher grade pay was allowed only when the post had been upgraded with the NMML executive council’s approval. “…Under which rules will pay protection be given to him once the appointment is on direct recruitment and permanent absorption basis to a post carrying a grade pay of Rs 8,900?”

The ministry, which did not reply, later got Rangarajan to give “consent for permanent absorption in the grade pay of Rs 8,900” as per recruitment rules. The DoPT questionnaire also red-flagged the ministry’s approval to Rangarajan’s deputation in July 2011.

Rangarajan’s 2011 appointment was challenged in the Supreme Court, which asked the government to follow due process. An advertisement was issued and candidates interviewed before the executive council came to the same conclusion as recommended by its chairman Dr Karan Singh. The UPA’s last-ditch effort is being seen as a Congress attempt to ensure it controls a institution considered a legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.