The problems that are plaguing the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) refuse to abate. This time around, the Board of Governors of the institute have “advised” the director to step down.
Director M.G. Chandrakanth refused to comment, but stated that he was appointed by the Governor and would step down only if he received instructions from the Raj Bhavan.
Mr. Chandrakanth had come under criticism after he made it mandatory for research scholars drawing fellowship funding to sign the attendance register every day in October last year. This was followed by a boycott by students on a Founders’ Day event. Following this, the Board constituted a committee to inquire into the matter .
However, the validity of this decision is under scrutiny as the Governor’s office had suggested that Kanubhai Govindji Mavani, former Vice-Chancellor of Saurashtra University, inquire into the matter. The institute did not follow this.
In a board meeting last month, where they placed a report that was submitted by the committee they had formed, the members pointed out that there was a turmoil and instability in the institution which would aggravate if “immediate corrective measures” were not taken. Another issue for which the institute received flak was after the police entered the women’s hostel premises to search for a male student.
A. Ravindra, Chairman of the institute, said the Board of Governors had supreme powers regarding the governance of the institute and its administration. He said that the removal of the director in-principle has to be done by the Governor. He also acknowledged that the bylaws and service rules were silent on the procedure to remove the director.
