BJP leader urges dismissal of UGC-HRDC Director at Mumbai University

Cites violation of UGC norms and show-cause notice in appeal to Governor

Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devang Dave has called for the removal of Dr. K. Shanthi, Director of UGC Human Resource Development Centre (UGC-HRDC) at the University of Mumbai. Dave argues that Dr. Shanthi’s appointment violates the rules and regulations set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Dave met with the Honourable Shri Ramesh Bais, Maharashtra Governor, at Raj Bhavan to seek his intervention in the matter. During the meeting, Dave submitted a detailed letter outlining the issue. He expressed satisfaction that the Governor has assured him of taking appropriate action.

Dr. K. Shanthi was appointed as the Director of UGC-HRDC at Mumbai University on September 5, 2020, until superannuation. However, Dave claims that the appointment contravenes UGC guidelines communicated to the directors of all 66 UGC-HRDCs across the country in June 2022. The UGC stated that no Professor-Director of HRDCs should be appointed on a permanent basis. Instead, the charge of HRDC should be given to a permanent professor of the respective university as an academic administrative responsibility. According to Dave, Dr. Shanthi’s appointment until superannuation is a blatant violation of these UGC norms.

“In June 2022, the UGC communicated its decision to the directors of all 66 UGC-HRDCs across the country, stating that no appointment of Professor-Director of HRDCs should be done on a permanent basis. The UGC also said that the charge of HRDC may be given to a permanent professor of the concerned university as an academic administrative responsibility. As a result, it is clear that the appointment of Dr K. Shanthi, Director, UGC-HRDC, till the age of superannuation, is a blatant violation of UGC norms,” said Dave.

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Furthermore, Dave highlighted that Mumbai University had issued a show-cause notice to Dr. K. Shanthi in March 2023. The notice sought an explanation as to why the UGC’s June 17, 2022 letter was not brought to the attention of the university authorities. Despite the UGC’s decision and the show-cause notice, Dr. Shanthi continues to hold the position.

“The issue was discussed in the MU’s Management Council in the March 2023 meeting, and subsequently, a show-cause notice was issued to her. Despite the UGC decision seeking strict compliance with its decision and MU’s show-cause notice, Dr K. Shanthi is still continuing on the post, which is a serious issue,” explained the BJP leader.

“The prestige and reputation of the MU are at stake, and the HRDC’s functioning and its various programs and webinars are also being impacted. So, she should be removed from the post immediately. The MU’s Vice-Chancellor should thoroughly probe the matter,” added Dave.

The UGC-HRDC at Mumbai University is responsible for adopting innovative approaches in higher education and organizing programs, courses, and webinars for faculty and academic administrators from colleges and universities. The center plays a vital role in training faculties, which ultimately impacts faculty promotions and directly affects students.