Govt set to remove UGC member facing CBI probe

It is most disappointing. Never has a sitting UGC member been found indulging in such activity. A report has been sought from the CBI after which action will be taken towards removal of the member from the Commission, confirmed an official.

The founder of the Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences KIMS,Samanta is alleged to have used his position at the UGC to pass forged documents to get the approval of the Medical Council of India MCI for his college. The CBI conducted raids at the KIMS campus last week and charged Samanta with forgery,cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Besides being appointed as UGC member for the second term,Samanta was recently appointed member of the Plan Panels committee drafting the 12th plan on higher education. He is also executive member,Indian Science Congress Association; executive council member,All India Council for Technical Education; Presidents nominee on the Academic Council of Central University of Assam; member,academic council,Orissa Central University; chairman of the advisory committee of the Dutta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences as well as Dr D Y Patil University,Mumbai and the Nehru Gram Bharti Vishwavidyalaya.