Lalit Narayan Mithila University vice-chancellor Saket Kushwaha has objected to the education department's move to stop payment of his salary because of the university's failure to submit utilisation certificates for state government-provided funds.

The VC said his university had sent utilisation certificates of most funds on June 7 and 9 but pensioners' documents had not been sent as many people had not submitted life certificate - proof that they are alive - a must for releasing pension. The VC said the news on stoppage of salary had tarnished his image.

Education minister Ashok Choudhary justified his department's move and said a notification would soon be issued to stop salary payment of all people who do not submit utilisation certificates. "Sending a strong message to such officials has become a necessity," he added.