08 June,2011 06:41 AM IST | | Alifiya Khan
Employees of University of Pune told not to take study leave to appear for competitive or other examinations without permission
Top officials at the University of Pune (UoP) are slowly turning into bullies. At least that is the sentiment a section of university staffers seems to be harbouring. After ordering employees not to speak to the media on any subject if they do wish to invite trouble, the top brass of the UoP has now forbidden them from taking leave for the purposes of study without prior approval. What is more, even approvals are subject to review and depend on a nod from senior officials, according to a circular sent out by the university to all its staffers.
Authoritarian attitude? Dr R K Shevgaonkar, vice-chancellor of the
University of Pune (right), says it is within his rights to order staff not
to speak to the media while the circular on leaves is only to ensure
work does not suffer at the institution. File pics
"First they ask people not to speak to the media, and now they say applications will be reviewed and decided by officials if there is need for leave for appearing for competitive exams. It is quite silly, as many of us might want to take leaves for career advancement," said a professor, requesting anonymity. "Does that mean if my superior so wishes, he can cancel my leave?"
The employees are miffed about the latest circular, which says that by June 30, a proposal should be sent to respective department heads if any employee wishes to take leave to appear for exams conducted by the SSC board or the University of Pune, or any other exams. The circular states that no employee shall be granted leave unless permission is sought by this period and even the proposals sent shall be reviewed.
"They have laid down conditions for leave, such as our work should not suffer, we should not expect any special provisions for appearing for exams, and so on," said an exam department employee, also requesting anonymity. "Of course we also don't expect them to allow work to suffer, but does this mean that if I wish to take leave for exams, it will not get sanctioned if university exams and my exam dates clash? After all, should I not expect special provisions?"
Last month, even senior officials at the UoP stopped talking to the media after vice-chancellor issued a gag order stating that no employee shall speak to the press. The reason behind this order was apparently the rising number of negative reports about the university in the media, which was informed unofficially by staffers.
Support for V-C's decision
It is within the legal rights of the V-C to issue a media gag, though we advised him to at least appoint a spokesperson and not block out the media. As far as this circular goes, I shall obtain more information
--u00a0Dr Gajanan Ekbote, senior member of Senate and Academic Council
I think the current vice-chancellor took the media gag decision based on current circumstances. May be staffers are giving out half-baked information to the media. As far as study leave goes, even I had suggested that leave applications be sent in early so that normal work does not suffer and students face no loss.
--u00a0Dr Arun Adsool, former V-C of Pune University
