A section of teachers at Indian Maritime University (IMU) might have to undergo a review again, to remain employed by the institute.
Strangely, just a few days ago, Union shipping secretary P.K. Sinha had assured the newly-recruited teachers that their jobs were safe and they had no reason to worry.
The teachers had brought to light irregularities at IMU by refusing to sign a contract letter issued to them by IMU, Chennai, director P. Vijayan. He asked them to go on contract from positions of permanent faculty. A review of the recruitment was also conducted by a committee in February.
However, in a meeting arranged for mediapersons in Chennai, Mr. Sinha clarified there was not anything significantly wrong in the recruitment process, as per the committee report, and the recruited teachers were qualified for the posts.
The teachers who have not been paid for almost five months were informed their salaries would be released soon, and the matter would be put to rest by the executive council.
“Nearly 22 of us have shifted our families here, and quit prestigious jobs after having been selected here,” said a teacher. All the teachers are Ph.Ds from reputed research and technical institutes.
The teachers allege while they have been asked to wait for some more time, they are also being told there are possibilities the previous recruitment could be quashed. “Yesterday we were told that another committee headed by Mr. Vijayan would look into the recruitment process. We don’t understand why so many committees are reviewing the process especially when the secretary himself has taken stock of the situation,” another teacher said.
Shipping ministry officials had earlier said the contract letter issued by Mr. Vijayan to the teachers was not from the ministry.
“We feel they are delaying our salaries to pressurise us to leave the jobs. This is not fair and not expected of a Central university,” said another teacher.
- Recently, the new recruits were assured of their jobs by ministry.
- Teachers now allege they have been told their appointments may be quashed
