Kalyani University (KU) appointed an assistant director in Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODL) department allegedly ignoring a probe order issued by the state higher education department in connection with the appointment.

“The post of assistant director (DODL) automatically stands invalid because the online platform development course under DODL has not yet been recognized by the University Grant Commission (UGC). The renewal of the contractual appointment of the assistant director should be considered seriously before giving reappointment for another term of one year this time again at a time when the course is not recognised,” Dr Tapati Chakraborty, director of DODL in KU, told The Statesman on Tuesday.

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“I have submitted a report in this regard to the university authorities,” Dr Chakraborti said, adding, “A proposal was made in connection with opening of the course a few years ago and the appointment in the post was made keeping eyes on UGC recognition. The entire process was done during my predecessor’s tenure in DODL. I joined in December 2023,” Dr Chakraborty said.

With the appointment of Ambar Mazumder as an assistant director in charge of the online platform development course, controversy sparked off in the KU.

A section of employees, including faculties in the KU, raised eyebrows when university authorities renewed contractual appointment of Mr Mazumder in 2022 and 2023 despite the higher education department’s order to conduct an inquiry to probe his appointment.

Following a complaint lodged with the higher education department’s grievance wing against the appointment, Susen Halder, an assistant secretary in the department, had asked KU authorities in July in 2022 to conduct a probe.

The one-year term of his contractual appointment was over on 9 February. But some leaders of ruling Trinamul Congress’ student wing are creating pressure on the KU authorities to renew his contract.

“My appointment was made as per the eligibility criteria required for the post of the assistant director in DODL. I was selected on the basis of merit in the interview. I had applied for the post after seeing an advertisement published by the university authorities. I have passed both MBA and state eligibility test (SET) with first class marks. I also have additional experience required for the post.

My appointment was made with all transparency,” Mr Mazumder told The Statesman.

“My term has expired on 9 February and I have applied for renewal. I am coming to my department regularly because I have responsibilities to develop the online course in DODL. Around 5,000 to 6,000 students are doing DODL courses under KU. Students know me very well how sincerely I work for them,” he added.

Neither Prof Amalendu Bhuniya, KU VC, nor Prof Debanshu Roy, KU registrar, were available for comment.

“I have heard about the controversy related to his appointment. I met the university registrar and requested him to look into the issue as per law. The appointment was made during the tenure of the former VC Prof Manas Sanyal,” said Biplab Dey, president of Trinamul Congress in Kalyani.