Former vice-chancellor of Rajendra Agriculture University ML Choudhury. Picture by Puja

Muzaffarpur, Sept. 22: Rajendra Agriculture University Teachers’ Association is demanding the immediate appointment of a vice-chancellor for Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa.

Rajendra Agriculture University Teachers’ Association general secretary Mohammed Murtaza, in a petition forwarded to Governor Devanand Konwar, made the demand. The governor is also the chancellor of the university.

Murtaza also said, in his petition, that former vice-chancellor M.L. Choudhray had been appointed as the first vice-chancellor of the newly created Agriculture University at Sabour in Bhagalpur. Choudhury was allowed by the governor to continue as the vice-chancellor of Rajendra Agriculture University for the time being. Murtaza claimed that such a step was unusual and not in accordance with the provisions Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987.

The teachers’ union is, however, demanding the appointment of a new, full-time vice chancellor for the university.

Murtaza, in the petition, said both Rajendra Agricultural University and Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, were suffering because of this provision.

He also said that no person could be appointed as the vice-chancellor of two universities simultaneously, as it was against the provisions of Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987.

The petition also pointed out that a temporary appointment of vice-chancellor could be made for a period not exceeding six months. The provisions of the Act make it clear that only a high official of the university can be appointed as the dean for a temporary period. Murtaza claimed that since Choudhury was not on the payroll of the university, it was illegal to appoint him in the temporary position.

The petition requested Konwar to pass an order for the immediate appointment of a vice-chancellor for the university to prevent undue legal hassles and controversy.