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(BiharTimes)The Nalanda University Governing Board meeting today at Patna should pray for the victory of Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential election also taking place today. The victory of Mukherjee will make him ex officio Visitor of the University as per Clause12 (1) of the Nalanda University Act. This is likely to give the University leeway in handling all irregularities, because it was Pranab Mukherjee as the External Affairs Minister in 2007 initiated them. Mukherjee and Nalanda University apparently will have a reciprocal interest in the sham to continue. In a less likely event of victory by Purno A. Sangma today the tables might be turned upon the University. Sangma is likely to strafe through the unaccountability, arbitrariness and irregularities in the University. The President of India’s role is largely ceremonial and figural in Indian democracy. But as the Visitor of Nalanda University he will command active powers of inspection and investigation into the University affairs. That is why Nalanda University must fear P.A. Sangma’s victory though his chances appear dim. |
It might be remembered that Pranab Mukherjee as the External Affairs Minister had taken up the task of building Nalanda University in 2007. But he departed from the well-established practice of establishing a University. He ‘outsourced’ the task to Nalanda Mentor Group, led by Prof. Amartya Sen, who themselves had no known history of institution building. The Ministry, whether under Mukherjee or thereafter, never pursued the objective of inter-governmental agreement with other East Asian nations. In absence of such agreement the University cannot be said to be international. Mukherjee never referred the case to Finance Ministry either for appraisal and sanctioning.
Mukherjee’s ascension to President’s post is likely to be a breather to the Nalanda University. However, what they overlook is that Pranab Mukherjee will now be directly accountable. He can ill-afford to allows the irregularities and impropriety to fester. The President of India directly receives complains and grievances from citizenry over his website. He is obliged to act upon complaints if he found merit in them. Pranab Mukherejee will not be able to ignore his obligation as the Visitor against public opinion.
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