Patna: AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies is mired in controversy over alleged irregularities in its functioning.

Its faculty association has blamed the director for administrative and financial mismanagement.

The accusations comprise lack of transparency in appointment of non-academic staff, bypassing directives of board of committee, non-implementation of National Pension System, delay in publication of annual report and de-motivation of faculty members.

"The institute's progress has come to a standstill ever since professor Sunil Ray took charge," said DM Diwakar, the institute's former director. "The visibility of the institute dwindled, transparency was compromised and stability decreased."

A faculty member seconded him. "The condition of the institute has worsened. It is functioning in an undemocratic way. Misbehaviour and de-motivation of faculty members doesn't suit academic works," he said.

The institute is an autonomous body governed by a board of control and funded by the education department of Bihar and the Indian Council of Social Science Research through the Union ministry of human resource development. It is located on a sprawling campus situated on the southern bank of the Ganga, 2km from Patna Junction.

The Telegraph has in its possession the evidence and mails sent by teachers, professor Sunil Ray.

Ray, however, denied such allegations, calling it influenced, speculative and bad for the reputation of the institute.

On the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) in the institute, he said: "When I was made aware in May 2017 that the teachers have not been enrolled in NPS, a panel was constituted immediately to look into the matter. In January this year, I reported the matter to the institute's board of control, they advised me to follow the financial rules of the state government."