The esteemed nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, allegedly due to the government interference in the selection of some IIT directors, has resigned as the chairman of the board of governors of IIT Bombay
Kakodkar was also the former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission.
The search-cum-selection committee for the selection of the directors of IIT Patna, Bhubaneswar and Ropar is presided by HRD minister Smriti Irani. Kakodkar is also one of the members of the panel. A meeting of the committee is to be held on March 22.
His tenure is to end in May this year. However Smriti Irani after a long conversation managed to convince him to continue till May. On being asked the reason for his resignation, he replied "I have put down my papers because I want to move ahead".
Most probably the disparity over the selection of the directors between him and the ministry is the reason for his resignation. The acceptance of his resignation is yet pending.
The IIT Delhi director R Shevgaonkar had also resigned last year in December. The disagreement between him and the ministry is the supposed reason of his resignation. The acceptance of his resignation is yet pending.
The members of the HRD ministry and selection committee had a consented on the selection of the director for IIT Patna. However there were some discrepancies for choosing the director for IIT Ropar.
For the interview now 37 candidates have been called in the ministry.
Congress alleging government" interference" in the Rajya Sabha has demanded an explanation for the resignation of the distinguished nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar. Ghulam Nabi Azad the leader of the opposition during Zero House and augmenting the issue said that the resignation of the esteemed personalities is a serious concern. Highlighting the differences with Delhi University vice chancellor and the resignation of R Shevgaonkar as a director of IIT Delhi, he notified that these things have not happened for the first time.
The intervention of the government will hinder the growth and excellence of such institutions.
He said that the Prime Minister declares to give the IITs more importance to build eminent institutions. The renowned Insinuations are considered outstanding all over the world. The differences caused due to disagreements with the HRD are an obstruction in the smooth administration of the institutes.