Activists and former VCs have raised questions about what actions Purohit took as the Governor of Tamil Nadu if there was indeed such large-scale corruption.
Picture of former Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit with former state chief minister EPS. (Supplied)
Amid the ongoing face-off between Governor Banwarilal Purohit and the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the appointment of the vice-chancellor (VC) to the Punjab Agricultural University, the former’s comments on the alleged corruption in the appointment of VCs to universities in Tamil Nadu has kicked up a political row in the southern state.
Addressing the media in Punjab, Purohit — who was Tamil Nadu Governor from October 2017 to September 2021 — said that before he took over, the situation was “very bad” in the state as VC posts were being sold for ₹40-50 crore.
He went on to claim that he “cleaned up the system” and that it was appreciated by current Chief Minister MK Stalin, then in the Opposition.
“I was approached by someone saying he had been VC earlier and had applied for the post of vice-chancellor of Anna University… My people told me that the person owned a fleet of 200 trucks after he had become VC. That is how I came to know about this. I cleaned up the system there, and everyone in Tamil Nadu was happy,” the Governor said.
Purohit’s comments have created a stir in Tamil Nadu, with many questioning the previous AIADMK government over the corruption charges.
Meanwhile, several others, including activists and former VCs, have raised questions about the “sweeping statements” made by Purohit, and wondered what action he took as Governor if he there was indeed such large-scale corruption taking place in the higher education sector.
Importantly, this is not the first time Purohit has levelled similar allegations.
In October 2018, during an event held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai, he claimed that the appointments of VCs were made after money in crores changed hands.
Soon after he made the comment, a statement was issued by his office clarifying that his remarks were based on what he had learnt from educationists, and that he had not made any allegations against anybody.
It is pertinent to note that in Tamil Nadu, VCs are appointed by the Governor in his/her capacity as the Chancellor of all state universities. The candidate is chosen from the three names shortlisted by a Selection Committee through an open process.
Though a bill was recently passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly giving powers to the state government to appoint VCs instead of the Governor, it is yet to get the assent from the current governor of the state, RN Ravi.
With many criticising the previous AIADMK government over the Governor’s comments, former higher education minister KP Anbazhagan clarified that the government has no role in the appointment of VCs and the decision was solely the Governor’s.
“It is not acceptable that he (Purohit) is criticising Tamil Nadu just because he is unable to appoint VCs in Punjab. The vice-chancellor is chosen by the Governor from the three names proposed by the Search Committee. The power to appoint VCs is fully with the Governor,” Anbazhagan said.
“If there were wrongdoings, then the responsibility lies with the Governor. The then chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy or the then AIADMK government or I, as then education minister, have no relation to it whatsoever.”
Speaking to South First, activist Prince Gajendra Babu questioned why Governor Purohit didn’t make a formal complaint and take action if he had knowledge of malpractices in the appointment of VCs in Tamil Nadu.
“Did he make those remarks based on hearsay or based on facts? If it was based on facts, then what action did he take against those who indulged in such corrupt practices? Purohit has to answer these questions,” he said.
Babu also recalled how the then AIADMK government had constituted an inquiry committee to look into the alleged financial irregularities that took place in the premier Anna University in Chennai when MK Surappa was the VC.
At the time, Governor Purohit, who appointed Surappa, reportedly wrote a letter to then chief minister EPS expressing displeasure over the formation of the inquiry committee and the same was stated in the Madras High Court when a related case came up for hearing.
“Why should the Chancellor, who is also the Governor, get upset if an inquiry committee is formed to probe serious allegations of financial irregularities committed by a VC? What’s the relation between the two of them?” he asked.
Similar views were expressed by a former VC of one of the universities in Tamil Nadu who spoke to South First.
According to him, Governor Purohit had made a “sweeping political” statement, and had unnecessarily dragged Tamil Nadu in because of the political issues he is facing in Punjab.
The former VC claimed that there was no possibility that people were giving ₹40-50 crore to get appointed as vice-chancellors.
“Look at the practicality of this. The Governor says ₹40-50 crore is the amount for a VC position. A vice-chancellor is appointed for a short tenure of three years. If someone is investing so much money to get the post, do you think he will be able to earn it back or more in such a short tenure?” he asked.
Though the senior educationist admitted that there may be problems and irregularities in “five percent” of the cases, he maintained that VCs are appointed through an elaborate process that is largely “transparent and open”.
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