Punjabi varsity V-C, 5 others quit

Ending the months-old battle with the state government, Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor S S Boparai has decided to quit the post. Five other senior varsity officials 8212; Registrar B S Sandhu, Dean resource mobilisation A S Chawla, Director neighbourhood campuses S P S Virdi, Director public relations Gurmeet Mann and Director youth welfare Sunita Dhir 8212; have also put in their papers.

Boparai8217;s resignation follows his interrogation by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in connection with alleged irregularities in numerous appointments made by him during his tenure as V-C. In keeping with his undertaking to resign with effect from December 1, Boparai submitted his resignation to the varsity chancellor and Punjab Governor, General S F Rodrigues, on Sunday.

Confirming his resignation, Boparai said he had no regrets. On being asked if he had been under pressure to quit, he declined to comment.

Earlier, Registrar B S Sandhu was arrested by the Vigilance Bureau for reportedly taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the management of a private law and B.Ed. college.

Boparai, an appointed of the previous Amarinder Singh-led Congress regime, has been on a collision course with the SAD-BJP government ever since the change of guard in the state. Holding on to the VC8217;s post, Boparai had accused the state government of interference in the varsity8217;s functioning.

But students, teachers and employees of the varsity have been campaigning for his ouster, organising several dharnas in the campus.