Weeks after discontent prevailed among TDP circles over the appointment of controversial IAS and IPS officers, who were known for their proximity with the previous YCP regime and also facing charges of corruption and irregularities from TDP leaders, in key positions, the fresh appointment of Incharge Vice Chancellors to various universities also attracting criticism.
As soon as the TDP government came to power, the vice-chancellors of various universities have resigned from their posts. The government appointed incharge vice chancellors of 17 universities at once. But most of them are facing accusations of close to YCP and also charges of corruption and irregularities, in some one case even CID probed.
TDP leaders are alleging that some vested interests misled the Education Minister Nara Lokesh in such appointments. Severe resentment is seen in the appointment of Incharge VCs for Andhra University and Acharya Nagarjuna University, besides Rayalaseema University.
TDP leaders are alleging that Shashi Bhushan Rao, who was appointed as Incharge VC of Andhra University, is known as a close associate of former controversial VC Prasad Reddy, who was alleged of making the VC’s chamber as YCP office. Many felt that this appointment made Prasad Reddy to continue his hold over university administration.
Appointment of Prof Kancharla Gangadhar as Incharge VC of Acharya Nagarjuna University also turned controversial. Presently he is serving as Principal of University Science College. He went on leave for 4 years for a software job while still in the teaching profession. The teachers and students’ unions are alleging that due to his close proximity with the former VC, whose proximity with YCP is well-known, it would be difficult for him to expose corruption and irregularities that took place in previous years.
Employees are expressing their anger over the selection of NTK Naik as the in-charge VC of Rayalaseema University. A vigilance inquiry is pending against him. Vigilance found in 2016 irregularities of vouchers worth Rs.1.39 crores and furniture worth Rs.7.70 lakhs were missing.
After receiving a report on this to the government, then Principal Secretary Sumitra Davra issued an order for further action. Based on these orders, charges were registered and CID conducted an investigation. The Governing Council of the University gave its approval on 24 January 2024 to file a charge sheet against Professor NTK Naik and Superintendent MV Narayanappa. Many are wondering about his appointment while this investigation is still going on.
