The Democratic Students’ Alliance Manipur (DESAM) has strongly objected to the recent reappointment of a superannuated faculty member at Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, calling it a deliberate violation of the University’s rules and regulations. The student body has urged for the immediate withdrawal of the reappointment order and warned of potential agitation if their demands are not met within five days.
During a press conference held at its Kwakeithel office, DESAM President Mayengbam Somorjit alleged that the tenure of the former dean of CAU ended on July 31, 2024. Despite the completion of his service, the former dean was reappointed as dean-in-charge of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, and director of Instruction at CAU until further notice or until the ongoing dispute over the University’s rules and regulations is resolved.
DESAM considers this reappointment a clear violation of the University’s established policies, noting that there are numerous senior professors eligible for these roles. While DESAM acknowledges the re-engagement of retired faculty in academic capacities, they argue that holding administrative positions such as dean, director, or head of department post-retirement contravenes the University’s regulations. The student organization plans to escalate the matter by submitting a memorandum to the Union Minister on Monday. DESAM has issued a five-day ultimatum to the University administration to revoke the reappointment order. If the demand is not met, DESAM has threatened to launch various forms of agitation.
