Speculations were rife over Dr Sapkal’s resignation when he was summoned by Governor K R Sankaranarayanan who is also Chancellor of Universities in Maharashtra after turmoil in the RTMNU’s Senate meeting held on March 27.
Nagpur News.
Sunday the March 30 witnessed ending of the most controversial tenure of a Vice Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) when Dr Vilas Sapkal resigned after over 3 years of dramatic and dubious events.
Dr Sapkal assumed the charge on December 23, 2010.
Speculations were rife over Dr Sapkal’s resignation when he was summoned by Governor K R Sankaranarayanan who is also Chancellor of Universities in Maharashtra after turmoil in the Senate meeting held on March 27. The meeting was specifically called for passing of RTMNU Budget but chaotic scenes by members forced Dr Sapkal leave the meeting in a huff. The Senate members showed no-trust against the Vice Chancellor that further complicated the matter. The irate members also raised slogans against VC while hundreds of students who gathered outside university premises tried to force themselves in the premises. The police resorted to mild lathi charge in order to disperse the crowd. The Senate meeting which began on peaceful note suddenly turned to a ring and was adjourned till further notice. The annual budget too was eventually disapproved.
Dr Vilas Sapkal met Governor on Saturday and apprised him of the current situation in the University and expressed his inability to continue the job any further. On March 30, the VC sent a letter to Governor “requesting him to relieve him of his duties.”
An emotional Dr Sapkal told media soon after his decision to resign that the non co-operation and ill-treatment was meted to him on day to day basis. “In this precarious situation, I will not be able to achieve my objectives. I cannot remain part of this system which is proving detrimental to the University and the students as well. Therefore, I have requested the Chancellor to relieve me of my duties.”
Dr Vilas Sapkal, who was for the first time seen in casual attire of plain shirt and pant rather always in suits and boots, further said, “I was targeted, cornered, pressured, blamed for no fault of mine.” Replying to media queries whether his resignation means victory for his detractors or the Senate members, Dr Sapkal said. “I don’t consider this a victory for them. I have taken this decision after considering and analyzing all the factors. I fought all adversities without any pressure. It will be an eye opener for them. I had made the administration very dynamic by expediting the works fast for smooth functioning of the RTMNU.”
“I was shortlisted for six universities but chose Nagpur University with specific objectives and goals for betterment of RTMNU, the colleges and the students,” asserted Dr Sapkal.
