In the wake of the re-evaluation scam at the Pune University,the examination department head's sudden leave causes unease Controller of Examinations (CoE) of the University of Pune, Sampada Joshi's month- long leave from Monday has raised eyebrows.
Joshi, who heads the examination department, is one of the key persons behind unearthing the re-evaluation scam, which made news six months ago.
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While, the reasons behind Joshi’s sudden leave are unclear, according to well-placed sources at the varsity, she has been facing opposition since the re-evaluation scam was busted. Three clerks at the department also came under fire during that time. However, as the head of department, Joshi remained firm during the investigation process.
“Her (Joshi’s) initiative of introducing automation in overall process of exams to minimize human intervention received major opposition from exam department employees. This finally resulted in today’s development ” said one of the officials at the department, on the condition of anonymity.
According to a report submitted by a three-member fact-finding committee, Joshi lodged a Police complaint against the three clerks for their alleged involvement in the scam. On the other hand, Pune University Employees Action Committee, an organisation formed by UoP employees had given a 10-day ultimatum ending today to the Vice-Chancellor Dr W N Gade claiming that Joshi’s actions caused delays in announcements of results of various exams held in October 2012. Despite repeated attempts by MiD DAY, neither the V-C nor the CoE were available for comments.
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sharad Avasthi, the chairperson of the fact-finding committee praised Joshi’s efforts and said, “Since the formation of the committee, she has always cooperated with us. Even after we submitted our report in December last year, she came forward to lodge a police complaint when all other top officials were reluctant.” University of Pune formed the fact-finding committee in October 2012.
Deputy registrar, B D Naik will take temporary charge of the CoE’s post from Tuesday. “V-C asked me today to look after Joshi’s work by informing she was on long medical leave. She was not present today,” Naik said.u00a0