The FDO was chargesheeted again for disregarding the GNDU Syndicate’s directive of reinvesting employees’ provident fund in banks that were offering high rates of interest. “The money was not invested in a timely manner despite the fact that the Syndicate had taken a decision in this regard,” said V-C Dr Jairup Singh. He added that the Syndicate had taken a serious note of this lapse. The V-C added that the names of the three members who were to be nominated from the Senate to the Syndicate had not been declared in today’s meeting as no decision had yet been reached in this regard.

The V-C maintained that the Government of India has approved a centre of excellence in genetic engineering for the varsity. “The Central government has also cleared the nano project of the university, for which a grant of Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned. The university would introduce M.Sc in nano science and technology course from the next academic session,” he said.

A distinguished international agricultural scientist, Dr S.S. Chahal, former dean of post-graduate studies of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has been appointed as Director, Research, of the university. The Syndicate has also decided to grant a special chance to students to improve their performance or to clear compartments.

However, Syndicate member MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha alleged that the Syndicate meeting was more of a dictatorial affair, the proceedings of which were dominated by the V-C. “The charges against the FDO are no charges at all and he was suspended for frivolous reasons,” he said. He charged the GNDU authorities with promoting tainted staff members and overlooking the interests of more eligible ones.