CHALLENGES AHEAD: Salil Kumar Roy

Jamshedpur, Nov. 15: Missing funds, pending results and vacant posts — challenges many, not to forget the controversies, are waiting to greet Salil Kumar Roy once he takes charge as the new vice chancellor of Kolhan University on Thursday. But the former head of Neelambar Pitambar University is not deterred.

Rather, Roy promises to gift a better tomorrow to the newly constituted Chaibasa cradle by ushering in discipline and a qualitative change.

Speaking to The Telegraph over phone from Ranchi, Roy said his first priority would be to streamline the functioning of the university with focus on students welfare and other stakeholders like teachers and other employees.

“I want to bring about a qualitative change in the functioning of the university, which is possible only if discipline and honesty are maintained. I will also lay stress on areas like introducing vocational education and infrastructure development, a must for this nascent university,” he said.

Roy also hinted at sending a status report to Governor-cum-chancellor M.O.H. Farook. “Soon after assuming charge, I will go through the files to take stock of things. As far as the allegations of financial irregularities are concerned, I will try to get to the root of the controversy and if required, will also send a status report to the chancellor,” he said.

He also expressed concern over non-appointment of faculty deans even after one and a half year of its inception. “It’s strange that so far the university has failed to appoint deans in its various departments. Article 75 of the University Act is yet to be implemented,” Roy pointed out.

He maintained that Kolhan University had great potential for growth, as most good colleges under it were located in Jamshedpur. He, however, declined to comment on the proposed second campus in the steel city. “The syndicate is authorised to take such decisions,” he said.

The vice-chancellor further said he would also ensure that the results of the first-year examinations were published within its schedule time. “The results of Part I exams, the first for this university, will not be delayed at any cost. We will not allow anyone to play with the future of students,” he said, referring to the recent strike by evaluators.

The hunt for a new vice chancellor for Kolhan University began after Raj Bhavan asked Father Benni Ekka to resign last month following allegations of financial misappropriation to the tune of Rs 21.53 lakh and other irregularities against him. Several names were proposed for the coveted post, but finally the governor approved Roy’s name for heading the university.

Before assuming charge as the head of Kolhan University, Roy will relinquish his post at Neelambar Pitambar University. Sources said soon after joining office, Roy would go on a brief leave from November 24 for his son’s marriage.