Pusa, Bihar – An inquiry into the tenure of Dr. Ramesh Chandra Srivastava, former Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, has brought to light a series of administrative and financial irregularities.
The investigation, ordered by the President of India in August 2022, has revealed recruitment violations, nepotism, and procedural lapses, casting a shadow over the university’s governance during his leadership.
Inquiry Findings
The investigation report, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and finalized in September 2023, highlights alarming violations in the recruitment process.
Officials such as Deputy Registrar Mahesh, Deputy Controller of Examinations Ramesh Pathak, and Scientist Dr. Shishir Kumar Gangwar were allegedly recruited through irregular means. Furthermore, faculty promotions during the period were riddled with procedural lapses.
The report also pointed to blatant nepotism. Relatives of senior officials, including Prerna, daughter of former Comptroller Radhakrishna Prasad, and the son of the then Director of Seed Production, were allegedly given preferential treatment in appointments.
Disciplinary Actions
In response to the findings, the current Vice-Chancellor has been directed to take stringent action against those implicated. A team of officials from Delhi visited RPCAU earlier this week to ensure compliance with the ministry’s directives.
Approximately 50 individuals, including committee members involved in the recruitment anomalies, have been issued charge sheets. The proceedings against these individuals are being conducted following central government regulations. Sources indicate that a resolution is expected within the next 7 to 8 months.
The scandal has already prompted several employees to resign, with others likely facing termination. Officials from the university have remained tight-lipped, and the Public Relations Officer declined to comment on the matter.
The revelations have sparked widespread discussions within the university community. Many are awaiting further developments as the investigation progresses. While the immediate focus remains on disciplinary actions, the long-term impact on the institution’s reputation and governance structure remains a pressing concern.
With the investigation ongoing, the coming months are expected to bring more clarity. The university is under pressure to rebuild trust and ensure transparency in its operations moving forward.
For now, RPCAU faces a crucial period of reckoning as it seeks to address the systemic lapses that have tarnished its reputation.
