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This is an archive article published on April 29, 1999

SNDT VC questions timing of charges

MUMBAI, APRIL 28: SNDT University vice Chancellor Dr Mariamma Varghese, against whom Minister of Higher and Technical Education Datta Ran...

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MUMBAI, APRIL 28: SNDT University vice Chancellor Dr Mariamma Varghese, against whom Minister of Higher and Technical Education Datta Rane has ordered an inquiry, today questioned the timing of the allegations made against her by BJP corporator Arun Deo.

Rane had ordered an enquiry following Deo’s complaint about administrative and financial irregularities at SNDT involving Varghese. At a press conference today, Dr Varghese threatened to file a defamation case against Deo if he didn’t retract the allegations.

Deo had alleged that no police complaint was lodged despite telephone equipment worth Rs 2.50 lakh being stolen from the university. Allegations were also made about the purchase of a new car as also the dismissal of certain professors. Deo also demanded an enquiry into subletting of Juhu campus, and claimed that the feeling was that no action would be taken against the vice-chancellor “as she is related to Chancellor Dr P C Alexander”.

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Denying all the allegations, Dr Varghese stated that thetiming of the complaint appeared to be a “strange coincidence”. The complaints came exactly a day before a crucial Management Council (MC) meeting, the vice-chancellor said, adding that the MC was scheduled to discuss an enquiry into a molestation case against a professor. The allegations appeared to be have been made to divert attention from this issue, the vice-chancellor said. Varghese also said she is not related to the Chancellor.

Stating that neither Deo nor anyone else had complained to her about any of the alleged irregularities, Dr Varghese claimed that the BJP corporator had tried to interfere in the past regarding the setting up of a canteen in the Juhu campus. “Deo threatened the engineers at the construction site,” she said, explaining that certain staff members had opposed the coming up of a canteen there. “They must have approached Deo,” she speculated.

The MC had also passed a resolution saying “the council is surprised and shocked to see serious but baseless allegations…” Thecouncil has also authorised the registrar to “take all necessary action to defend the reputation and integrity of the vice-chancellor as well as the university.”

The vice-chancellor also said “transparency is maintained in transactions involving ground rent” and that the arrangement has the MC’s approval. The decision to purchase a new car was made as there were “major defects” in the earlier car and a lot of money had to be spent on repairs.

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About the theft of telephones, the vice-chancellor stated that the university had lodged a complaint with the police. Also, the cost of the equipment stolen is Rs 25,000 and not Rs 2,50,000 as alleged, she said. Regarding the dismissal of a computer science professor, Dr Varghese said the state government did not approve of the position despite repeated reprsentations by the university.

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