MINUTES OF THE 89th MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
MANAGEMENT HELD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2007 AT 2.00 P.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM,
BLOCK NO. 8, IGNOU CAMPUS,
MAIDAN GARHI,
The following were present:
1. Prof.
V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor -
Chairman
2. Prof.
(Mrs.) Surabhi Banerjee -
Member
3. Prof.
C.L. Anand -
Member
4. Dr.
K.Vishwanathan - Member
5. Dr. N.S.
Rame Gowda -
Member
6. Prof.
Pardeep Sahni -
Member
7. Shri V.K. Arora - Member
8.
Smt. Poonam Bhushan -
Member
9.
Shri Dalip Kumar Tetri, Registrar -
Secretary
Shri N.K. Sinha, Joint Secretary, Bureau of Distance Learning represented the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Shri R.P. Agarwal, Secretary
(S&HE), MHRD, Shri S.K. Arora, Secretary, Ministry of I & B, Prof. Y.K.
Alagh, Shri Rajendra Singh Pawar, Dr. Devi Shetty and Shri Pawan Chopra,
members regretted their inability to attend the meeting due to other
commitments.
Shri R. Chauhan, Finance Officer attended the meeting as special invitee.
At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the
members to the 89th Meeting
of the Board of Management and requested the Secretary to present agenda items.
Shri Dalip Kumar Tetri, Secretary, then
presented the agenda items as under:
ITEM NO. 1 BM 89.1.1 BM 89.1.2 |
TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE 88TH MEETING OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT HELD ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006 AND TO NOTE THE ACTION TAKEN THEREON The
Minutes of the 88th Meeting of the Board of Management were taken
up for consideration. The Secretary
informed that the Minutes of the 88th Meeting were circulated to
the members. Comments have been
received from some members and copies of the comments and the replies / clarifications
to the comments have been placed before the Board for consideration. As regards the typographical error under
Resolution No.BM 88.5.1 (2nd line) where instead of
‘non-recurrence’, word ‘recurrence’ appeared erroneously, an errata in the
matter was issued before placing the matter for confirmation of the Minutes. With
regard to the comments from Ms. Poonam Bhushan, Member, in respect of
Resolutions BM 88.1.3 and 88.5.1, the matter was examined and the position as
per the Statutes was clarified. As
regards the comments received from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office suggesting
modifications to Resolution No.BM 88.11.1 to the effect that “the Board after
detailed deliberations approved the operation of the panel” and to Resolution No.BM 88.28.1 that “in cases
where the post is only one and isolated there will be no reservation”, were noted.
The suggestion of Dr.
V.K. Arora, Member that the reservation of one post of Assistant Librarian,
Media Library, EMPC for ‘Person with Disability – hearing handicapped
(Partially deaf) need reconsideration as the partially deaf person may not be
able to discharge his duties to listen and view Audio/Video programmes
effectively, was also noted. While
considering the action taken report on Item No. 24 regarding the
appointment of Prof. Ved P. Goel, the Chairman informed the Board that the
Minutes of the 83rd Meeting of the Board held on 23-7-2005 were not recorded
correctly. The recommendations of the
Selection Committee as such with all names of the persons in the panel,
should have been indicated. The Board decided that a suitable amendment to
the Minutes be recorded. The amended
version of the Minutes is placed as Appendix – 1. The
Board considered the comments received from various members and the action
taken on its recommendations and the clarifications with regard to the
comments. While deliberating on the
matter, it was pointed out by one of the members that the University has
already issued advertisement for filling up some of the vacant posts of
teachers/academics and the above modification for reservation of posts have a
bearing on the advertisement. The
Board considered the matter and directed that the advertisement issued to fill
the various teaching/academic posts, falling in the reserved categories, may
be re-examined in the light of the above
position. With
regard to Item No. 3 of the action taken report regarding nomination of a
member on the Student Support Services Committee, the Board was informed that
the notification appointing Dr. N.S. Ramegowda was already issued and Dr.
Ramegowda has accepted the nomination.
However, in the action taken report the name of Prof. (Mrs.) Surabhi
Banerjee was inadvertently mentioned, which was regretted by the Secretary. The Board further noted the action taken on the
various decisions of the Board of Management at its 88th Meeting
held on November 27, 2006 and confirmed the Minutes. |
ITEM NO. 2 BM 89.2.1 BM 89.2.2
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE AMENDMENTS IN THE
PROVISION UNDER CLAUSE (1)(ii)OF STATUTE 4 TO THE IGNOU ACT, CONCERNING THE
DIRECTORS OF THE SCHOOLS The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board discussed the provisions under the Statute 4 relating to appointment of Director of a School in detail at its 88th Meeting held on 27-11-2006. The Board had noted that the practice hitherto followed in appointing the Directors in a School from other Divisions/Schools/Centres was anomalous and impacted adversely the morale of the faculty in a particular School. The Board had, therefore, directed that in case of non-availability/non- eligibility of a Professor in the School, the senior most teacher in the hierarchy in the School may be temporarily entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the Director till a Professor is appointed. The Board further desired that if necessary, the provisions of Statute 4 be suitably amended. To give effect to the above directions of the Board, it is proposed to amend the existing provisions of Statute 4 as detailed in the Appendix – 2. The Board considered and approved the amendments to Statute 4 and authorized that the amendments may be submitted to the Visitor for his approval in terms of the provisions under Statute 25(1)(3) of IGNOU Act. |
ITEM NO. 3 BM 89.3.1 BM 89.3.2
|
TO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR AMENDMENT AND INCORPORATION OF ADDITIONAL CLAUSES UNDER CLAUSE V(5) AND V(8) IN THE ORDINANCE ON CAREER ADVANCEMENT OF TEACHERS The
item was taken up for consideration.
The provisions under Clauses V(5) and V(8) of Ordinance 3 relating to the Career
Advancement of Teachers were explained elaborating that a teacher who has not
been recommended by the Screening/Selection Committee for placement in the
Senior Scale/Selection Grade/ promotion to the post of Reader/Professor can
offer himself/herself for review after the expiry of one year from the date
of promotion process/interview, the date of eligibility being determined from
the date of initiation of the process in which the teacher was not
recommended. This provision in the
Ordinance was not very specific in the matter of the date of eligibility in
respect of teachers whose cases are not recommended and hence the matter was
referred to the MHRD and UGC in July, 2004.
No reply has, however, been received.
With a view to bringing in clarity, it is proposed to add a Sub-Clause
(a) under Clause V(5) in the Ordinance. Similarly, it is proposed to amend Clause
V(8) with the provision that a teacher who has not been recommended by the
Screening/ Selection Committee for placement in the Senior Scale/ Selection
Grade/Promotion to the post of Reader/Professor can offer himself/herself for
review after the expiry of one year from the date of initial eligibility for
promotion/interview. In the first
instance, the date of eligibility will be from the date on which a Teacher
completes the required length of service.
In case the teacher is not recommended for the first time, the date of
eligibility will be after one year from the date of initial eligibility. If the teacher is not recommended for
second time, then it will be the date on which a Teacher completes two years
from the date of initial eligibility and so on. The Board deliberated and the issue was deferred. |
ITEM NO. 4 BM 89.4.1 BM 89.4.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL FOR CREATION OF POSITIONS OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND TO RELEASE TWO POSITIONS OF DEPUTY REGISTRAR EARLIER KEPT IN ABEYANCE AND UTILIZED BY CONVERSION The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board of
Management at its 42nd Meeting held on 18-7-1995 considered the
report of the Committee appointed to review the organizational set up of the
University and approved its
recommendations. The recommendations
inter alia included (i) setting up of a Cell for pre-registration
counseling and evaluation technology in the SRE Division, and (ii) programme
evaluation in Planning & Development Division to be headed by a Deputy
Director. These recommendations were
considered by the Finance Committee at its 26th Meeting held
on 22-09-1995 and approved in its 43rd
meeting by the Board of Management. He further informed that these posts were
operated by utilizing the two posts of Deputy Registrars kept in abeyance for
quite some time. The Secretary
explained that the overall activities of University have increased manifold
during the period with a total student registration having crossed 1.5
million and the total number of Programmes crossing over 130. Therefore, there is an imminent need to
restore the two positions of the Deputy Registrars so as to meet the shortage
of officers at supervisory level in the SRE Division. The item was discussed in detail. The Board noted that the posts of Deputy
Directors were already operated by the University for about 10 years by utilizing
the two positions of Deputy Registrars, which were kept in abeyance
earlier. The Board approved the
proposal for creation of two posts of the Deputy Directors for Programme
Evaluation & Feedback Unit and C-DET thereby enabling release of two
posts of Deputy Registrars, which were held in abeyance earlier. |
ITEM NO. 5 BM 89.5.1 BM 89.5.2
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE MATTER OF AGE RELAXATION
RELATING TO THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF IN GROUP B, C AND D IN THE REGIONAL
CENTRES AT NORTH-EAST REGION, SIKKIM, JAMMU AND KASHMIR The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that at
its 83rd Meeting, the Board approved the recommendations of the
Establishment Committee made at its 42nd Meeting held on
11-07-2005 relating to the local/regional recruitment to the vacant positions
under Group B,C and D categories at the Regional Centres in the North-East,
Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir. Pursuant to
the above decision, further steps were initiated in the matter and necessary
guidelines were issued to the concerned Regional Directors. This was followed up further and the
Regional Directors issued advertisements in the local Press. The Regional
Centres have been engaging persons on
daily wage basis on contract for some years to man the day to day
activities at Regional Centres. In
response to the advertisements issued by the Regional Centre, Jammu, the
staff working as Regional Centre on contract/daily wage basis sent their
representation on 15-01-2007 to the Vice-Chancellor stating that they have
been working in the Regional Centre for last 5 to 8 years in that capacity
and have requested for their regularization which as per the Recruitment
Rules is not permissible. Similar position also prevails in the Regional
Centres in North-East Region, The Board considered and approved the proposal.
|
ITEM NO. 6 BM 89.6.1 BM 89.6.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE APPEAL SUBMITTED BY SHRI K.V.D.S.
PRAKASH RAO, ASSISTANT REGISTRAR AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE DISCIPLINARY
AUTHORITY The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary apprised the Board of the
events that led to the arrest of Shri
K.V.D.S. Prakash Rao, Assistant Registrar, IGNOU Regional Centre, (i) He has been falsely implicated in two cases filed against his wife as the Chit Fund was being run by his wife in which his wife had to pay Rs.6,61,927/- to 12 Petitioners vide FIR 129/2003 for Rs.1,49,500/- and FIR 75/2003 for Rs.5,12,427/-. (ii) Since the Chit Fund was run by his wife, he felt moral obligation and owned responsibility and voluntarily came forward to clear the said debts on behalf of his wife, in an out of Court settlement. The settlement or clearance of debts, etc., are not in the purview of the Courts or Investigating Authorities at all. Hence, the University Authorities could have taken cognizance of the closure of the said Criminal cases in the Lok Adalat for the sole purpose of revoking his suspension and reinstatement. Instead, Authorities have given cognizance for the issue and its out of Court settlement. It was further mentioned whether fulfilling one’s own obligation to wife and family amounts to misconduct? It is not only he but anybody whoever he/she may be, could have acted in the same manner as he did as a normal prudent person by meeting the obligations of his wife especially more so when trusted and loyal friends and relatives enacted high voltage drama by filing case in the Lok Adalat. He could not think of University’s rules and regulations with its adverse effect on his career at the point of time when he cleared the obligation of his wife. He submits that going by above piece of information, the verdict given by the Vice-Chancellor was definitely very harsh. The matter was discussed in detail. The members desired that the grounds on which the decision of the Vice-Chancellor/the Disciplinary Authority in the matter is sought to be reviewed should have been clearly given. The Board, therefore, directed that the case be examined in light of the above and again brought before it. |
ITEM NO. 7 & ITEM NO. 30 BM 89.7.1 BM 89.7.2
|
TO REPORT ON
THE PROGRESS OF REFORMS UNDERTAKEN BY THE UNIVERSITY IN TERMS OF THE THRUST
AREAS IDENTIFIED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF The item was taken up for consideration alongwith
Item No. 30 of the agenda. The
Secretary informed the Board that the Government have identified certain
thrust areas for the Ministries/ Departments for institutional reforms in
terms of decentralization of activities,
simplification of procedures, transparency, accountability and
e-governance. He informed that the
University has already initiated several measures in this direction. He further briefed the specific steps
already initiated by the University in the matter of institutional
reforms. The Board approved the initiatives in
decentralization of administration and academic governance, computerization,
and steps for simplification of procedures and for ensuring accountability
and transparency at all levels of functioning of the University with due
sanctioned from competent authorities. The Board directed the administration
to complete process of computerization and ERP of Finance & Accounts
operations by 30th June, 2007 and ERP of the whole University by
31st December, 2007. The main initiatives undertaken by the University
are given in Appendix - 3. |
ITEM NO. 8 BM 89.8.1
|
TO NOTE THE DECISIONS OF THE DISTANCE EDUCATION COUNCIL TAKEN AT ITS 27TH MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 11, 2006 The
decisions taken at the 27th Meeting of the Distance Education
Council held on 11-12-2006 were noted by the Board, with the directive that
the rates of Sitting Fees as proposed in Item 27.8 will not be applicable to
the internal experts. A summary of the
important decisions is given below: (i) Minutes of the 26th Meeting of the
Distance Education Council held on 19th January, 2006 were
confirmed with suggestion on Item No.26.3 that in the light of the changes
coming in as a result of offering of online courses and establishment of
private universities and institutes offering distance learning programmes,
the Guidelines should be reviewed by a Committee. (ii)
Report on the Status of Programmes approval by
the Distance Education Council was considered and the Council authorized the
Chairman to constitute an Expert Committee to frame appropriate guidelines
for Recognition of ODL Institutions keeping in view the suggestions given by
various ODL institutions as well as the stake holders. The recommendation of the Committee may be
placed before the Council for its consideration and till such time existing
guidelines shall be followed. (iii)
The Council
considered the proposal for development of Handbook for Transformation of
Print Materials into Self Instructional Material. The Council authorized the Chairman to
constitute an Expert Committee to examine the Draft. (iv)
The Council
noted the status of development grant and unassigned grant sanctioned and
released to SOUs and DEIs during the year 2006-2007. (v)
The Council
while taking note on report of Information Data Base on SOUs and DEIs
resolved that the information data base should be expeditiously completed. (vi)
The Council
considered and approved the proposal for enhancement of sitting fee for
experts from Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- per person per day. (vii) The Council considered the communication received
from MHRD on structural changes needed under distance education in (viii) The Council considered DEC Research Project Scheme
and it was approved after incorporation of suggestion that mini research project
should be clubbed with minor research project and in place of 3 categories
there should be two categories, namely Major Research Project and Minor
Research Project. It was also decided
that a certain number of Junior Research Fellows thus, be instituted by DEC
for promoting research in ODL. A
copy of the Minutes of the Distance Education Council is placed as Appendix – 4. |
ITEM NO. 9 BM 89.9.1
|
TO NOTE THE DECISIONS OF THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL TAKEN AT ITS 38TH MEETING (SPECIAL) HELD ON DECEMBER 13, 2006 The
Board noted the main recommendations of the 38th Meeting (Special)
of the Academic Council Meeting held on 13-12-2006 as under: (i)
Decision to
offer a completely revised alternative course and examination in respect of
MHI-07. (ii)
Inclusion of
three elective courses of BSW as
optional BDP package. A
copy of the Minutes of the 38th Meeting (Special) of the Academic
Council Meeting is placed as Appendix – 5. |
ITEM NO. 10 BM 89.10.1
|
TO NOTE THE DECISIONS OF THE PLANNING BOARD TAKEN AT ITS 32ND MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 19, 2006 The
Board noted the decisions of the Planning Board taken at its 32nd
Meeting held on 19-12-2006. The Board
specifically noted the following decisions of the Planning Board: (i)
Launch of 10
new programmes by the University (Phase-IV) and also 11 programmes for
Phase-II level. The Board desired that
a mechanism may be devised for quality assurance of the programmes in
Medicine and Technology. (ii)
Approval of
the outlay of Rs.8,116 crores for the 11th Five Year Plan for the
ODL system. The Board further noted
the decision of the Planning Board to the effect that the components
applicable to IGNOU be segregated from other components like one Stop Portal,
Edusat, etc. so that the proposals for IGNOU became explicit. (iii)
Institution
of six Chairs in the Schools of Studies to facilitate interdisciplinary and
transdisciplinary interactions in the University. (iv)
The
initiatives taken for staff training in application of Information Management
and Technology. (v)
The need for
opening up of the facilities available at EMPC for training of students
belonging to the Public/recognized
institutions across the country.
The Minutes of the 32nd Meeting of the
Planning Board are placed as Appendix – 6. |
ITEM NO. 11 BM 89.11.1
|
TO NOTE THE DECISIONS OF THE RESEARCH COUNCIL TAKEN AT ITS 8TH MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006 The
Board noted the various decisions taken by Research Council at its 8th
Meeting held on
21-11-2006. The important
decisions are summarized as under: (i) Launching of Ph.D Programme for Master Degree
holders (without M.Phil) in all disciplines, award of JRF on receipt of
specific requests from all disciplines, appointment of a Committee by the
Vice-Chancellor to finalize modalities for offering Ph.D Programme for
overseas students. (ii) Approval of the Minutes of First Meeting of the
Research Council’s Standing Committee held on 27th April, 2006. (iii)Approval of the revised research proposals for
Ph.D in Hindi, Library & Information Science from Shri Prasant Kumar, Mr.
S. Shyam Sunder Rao, Ms. Taruna Joshi respectively. (iv)
Approval of
Research proposals for admission to Ph.D Programme received from Shri Ramesh
Gandotra in Public Administration, Shri Ramesh Chandra Sharma in Economics,
Shri Mehar Singh in Political Science, Ms. Deepanwita Srivastava in Tourism
Studies and Mr. Xavier Santan Gama in Physics. (v) Progress reports of Mrs. Priti Sharma in Political
Science, Dr. Subrata Chakrabarti in Public Administration, Ms. Renu Arora and
Mr. P. Vijay Kumar in Library & Information Science and Ms. Arundhati
Mishra in Physics. (vi)
Launching of
Ph.D Programme in Social Sciences for students having work experience. (vii) Approval of Dr. Shubhalakshmi Lamba, Lecturer in
Physics as a Research Supervisor. (viii) Proposal for inviting Research Supervisor in the
meetings of the Research Council and its Sub-Committees to clear
doubts/observations. A copy of the Minutes is placed as Appendix – 7. |
ITEM NO. 12 BM 89.12.1 BM 89.12.2 BM 89.12.3
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL COMMITTEE MADE AT ITS 8TH MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 17, 2007 The
item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the 8th
Meeting of the Grievance Redressal Committee was held on 17-01-2007. The Committee deliberated in detail the various grievances of Prof. M. Aslam
and particularly, the deductions made from his fees in regard to the
Panchayati Raj Project and the short-term consultancy project of the Price
Waterhouse & Co. The Grievance
Redressal Committee desired that
authentic copies of the documents relating to these projects be obtained and
examined in totality to see whether any amount has been incorrectly deducted
from the fees due to Prof. Aslam. With
regard to the representation from the Staff Car Drivers for payment of
Overtime Allowance beyond the ceiling of 100 hrs. in a month, the Board
specifically approved the recommendations made by the Committee. The norms and conditions prescribed by the
Government of India will be followed.
Wherever the ceiling of 100 hours is likely to exceed in a month, the
officer using the vehicle shall seek the prior approval of the
Vice-Chancellor in each case. The
Board also considered and approved the recommendations of the Committee
regarding the representation of Dr. M. Chandrasekharan Nair, Dy. Director,
CEE. |
ITEM NO. 13 BM 89.13.1 BM 89.13.2
|
TO CONSIDER
AND APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. MUSHTAQ AHMAD DARZI AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
IGNOU REGIONAL CENTRE, The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that Dr. Abdul Gani,
Regional Director, Srinagar has been sanctioned Extra Ordinary Leave for a
period of two years with effect from 24-01-2007 to accept an
assignment at Arab Open University, Saudi Arabia. Since there is only one Assistant Regional
Director at the Regional Centre, The Board approved the selection of Dr. Mushtaq
Ahmed Darzi to the post of Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, |
ITEM NO. 14 BM 89.14.1
|
TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF PROF. (MRS.) ASHA S. KANWAR, PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH FOR EXTENSION OF EXTRA ORDINARY LEAVE BEYOND 31-3-2007 OR TO CONSIDER HER REQUEST FOR VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT The Secretary explained the provisions of the
Statutes and the position of the case.
After detailed deliberations, the Board approved that the ceiling
of 05 years under this provision
would not be applicable to national level assignments by the Government of
India or to the international assignments where |
ITEM NO. 15 BM 89.15.1 BM 89.15.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF DR. M.S.S. RAJU, READER
IN COMMERCE FOR COUNTING THE PERIOD OF SERVICE RENDERED BY HIM AS READER IN
HIS PREVIOUS INSTITUTION AS QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTION
TO THE POST OF PROFESSOR UNDER CAREER ADVANCEMENT SCHEME OF THE UNIVERSITY The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that Dr. M.S.S. Raju had initially joined as a Lecturer in Commerce in the University on 26-05-1999. Before joining IGNOU, he had worked as a Lecturer/Lecturer (Senior Scale/Selection Grade) in different spells from 7-12-1984 till 24-05-1999 in his previous organization. After his joining this University, Dr. Raju was placed in the position of Reader in August, 2000 in his parent organisation with retrospective effect from 7-12-1997 under the CAS scheme. Dr. Raju had also applied for the post of Reader in the University under direct recruitment and was selected to the post of Reader in Commerce with effect from 11-08-2000. Thus, the continuous service of Dr. Raju as Reader from 7-12-1997 was intervened by a spell from 26-05-1999 till 10-08-2000 during which period Dr. Raju worked as Lecturer in the University. Dr. Raju submitted that had he continued in his parent institution, he would have been Reader from 7-12-1997 and has, therefore, requested to allow him the benefit of his service as Reader from 7-12-1997 for the purpose of promotion to the post of Professor in this University and to protect his pay as he fulfills all the conditions and qualifications for the purpose of promotion as Reader under CAS. He has further requested that the period between 26-05-1999 to 10-08-2000 when he worked as Lecturer in the University be condoned in case it was not feasible to count the entire period from 7-12-1997 as Reader in this University. The relevant provisions of the Ordinance on Career Advancement of Teachers are as follows _ Clause V (1) of the Ordinance on Career Advancement of Teachers of the University states: “For the purpose of determining the length of qualifying service for placement/promotion mentioned in the preceding clauses, the service of a person, before appointment as a Lecturer in the University, either as Lecturer or in an equivalent grade/scale of pay or Reader or an equivalent post in other Universities/Colleges, National Laboratories, R & D organization, Research Scientists’ Scheme of the UGC etc. will be counted as qualifying service; Provided that such service in one or more University/College/ Institution/Organisation is continuous and is immediately preceding the commencement of service in IGNOU.” The matter was also referred to the UGC for clarifications. The Commission clarified that the spell of service from 26.5.1999 and 10.8.2000 cannot be counted as qualifying service under CAS, for promotion to the post of a Professor. The important aspects of the case were explained as under: i) Had Dr. Raju continued in his parent office, he would have become Reader on 07.12.1997 and would have become eligible for promotion to the post of Professor under CAS w.e.f. 07.12.2005 on completion of 8 years of continuous service as Reader. ii) The incident of his joining IGNOU as Lecturer on 26.5.1999, his retrospective promotion as Reader in his parent office w.e.f. 7.12.1997 and his subsequent appointment through open selection as Reader in IGNOU w.e.f. 11.8.2000 caused an interruption in his continuous service as Reader. The Board taking cognizance of the fact that Dr. Raju had already put in 21 years of service on 06.12.2005 and the total service required for promotion to the post of Professor in the University was 17 years and but for the interruption in continuous service as Reader on his joining the IGNOU as Lecturer, Dr. Raju would have become eligible for promotion as Professor under CAS in the University, decided to condone the spell of the interruption for the purpose of considering his promotion and counting of the service rendered by Dr. Raju in the grade of Reader for promotion to the post of Professor in the University under CAS taking recourse to provisions under Clause (10) of the Ordinance and compute the 8 years of service as on 19-2-2006. |
ITEM NO. 16 BM 89.16.1
|
TO REPORT THE FRESH ENGAGEMENT OF SHRI O.P. CHOUDHARY
AS CONSULTANT ON CONTRACTUAL BASIS IN CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT UNIT AFTER
RETIREMENT ON COMPLETING 62 YEARS OF AGE The Board ratified the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor in engaging Shri O.P. Choudhary, retired Section Officer as Consultant on contractual basis for a period of six months beyond the age of 62 years @ Rs.17,000/- p.m. It was also decided that hereafter for any type of contractual appointments, the maximum age limit of 62 years in the case of Non-Academic and Administrative staff should be strictly adhered to. |
ITEM NO. 17 BM 89.17.1
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE DRAFT MOUs / MOCs /
AGREEMENTS SIGNED/ ENTERED BY THE UNIVERSITY The Board considered and approved the draft MOUs/MOCs/Agreements signed/to be signed by the University as detailed below: 1.
Agreement
with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Katni for bulk purchase of
self instructional materials of BA, B.Com, BCA, B.Ed and MBA programmes. 2.
Agreement
with Pt. Sunderlal Sharma Open University, Chhattisgarh for bulk purchase of
instructional materials for MA in English, Hindi, Public Administration,
Rural Development and PGDT, PGDRS programmes. 3.
MOU with
Government of Uttaranchal for professional development of Primary and
Secondary School teachers, etc. 4.
Renewal of
Agreement with Open Minds International, 5.
MOU with the
Florida State University, Florida, USA for cooperation and exchanges for
various academic activities. 6.
MOC with
Libyan Open University (LOU), 7.
Agreement
with Virtual 8.
Renewed MOU
with Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), Ministry of Defence, 9.
MOU with
Central Institute of Indian Languages at Manasagangotri, 10.
MOC with Pt.
Dwarka Prasad Mishra Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design &
Manufacturing, Jabalpur for imparting higher education and training to
empower people to participate effectively in the processes of national
development. 11.
Renewal of
Agreement with Gulf Centre for University Education, 12.
Idemity Bond
in respect of Agreement with ATEICO Communications, 13.
Agreement
with Uttaranchal Open University for bulk purchase. 14.
Renewal of Agreement
with Middle East Educational Services, 15.
Renewal of
Agreement with Glory Institute for Technical & Applied Training LLC 16.
Agreement
with 17.
Agreement
with Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) for
acquisition of translation rights. 18.
MOU with |
ITEM NO. 18 BM 89.18.1 BM 89.18.2
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO COMMONWEALTH EDUCATIONAL MEDIA CENTRE FOR ASIA (CEMCA) AT IGNOU CAMPUS, MAIDAN GARHI The item was taken up
for consideration. The Secretary informed
the Board that the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an inter-governmental
organization created by the Commonwealth Heads of Government engaged in
development and sharing of open learning and distance education in knowledge
resources and technologies and the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for
Asia (CEMCA) is an arm of the COL established to promote the Charter of
Educational Development of the countries in the Continent. He further informed the Board that the University had provided rent free
accommodation to CEMCA since its inception in 1994 till 2005 when the CEMCA
moved to a rented premise in The Board decided to
defer a decision in the matter. |
ITEM NO. 19 BM 89.19.1 BM 89.19.2
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE MADE IN ITS 47TH MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 14, 2007 The
Board considered and approved the recommendations of the Establishment
Committee made in its meeting held on 14-02-2007. A summary of important recommendations is
detailed below: (i) The Committee approved lifting of probation and confirmation of Shri Sanjay Kumar Bansal, Assistant Engineer (C), with effect from 28-3-2006. (ii)
The Committee approved the proposal of counting of
the past service rendered by
Dr. V.Vasudevan, RD, (iii) With regard to the grant of additional increments to Non-Academic Staff of the University at par with the Academics on their obtaining a Doctoral/Ph.D Degree, the Committee agreed that there is justification for some incentive, as a higher degree/Ph.D Degree will ultimately benefit the University, and recommended that the matter be placed before the Board of Management. (iv) The Committee approved the lifting of probation/confirmation of the teachers/ academics in the University subject to the following conditions: (i) It is to be ensured that no inquiries or vigilance investigations were pending or contemplated against any of them, and; (ii) To ensure that no case of teachers/academics pertaining to the above period is pending for confirmation except for those where the above clearance is pending. (v) The Committee approved the proposal for grant of scale of Rs.8000-13500 to Shri R.P. Meena, Junior Engineer with effect from 7-5-2004 under the Upward Movement Scheme, as one time measure and as a special case. (vi) The Committee noted that a number of positions of Stenographers in the promotion quota of 50% have remained un-filled due to less number of JATs applying for the positions and lesser number of them qualifying the Stenography test. In view of the above, the Committee approved the proposal for diversion of the vacant posts of Stenographers under the promotion quota, as a one time measure. However, in view of the changing times, when most of the work was now being done on computers and the stenographic positions were not very relevant to Schools and some Units in the University. To examine the matter in detail, a Committee as follows was constituted by the Chairman: (i) Prof. Pardeep Sahni (ii) Prof. J.M. Parakh (iii) Shri T.K. Kaul, Deputy Registrar (Estt.), Convenor (vii) The Committee approved the proposal relating to the redeployment of the surplus Drivers as JATs/Attendants, subject to the following conditions:
· The options of Drivers for re-deployment as JATs/Attendants may be called for and considered subject to their eligibility as per rules. · The existing pay and pay scales shall be protected. The pay scale so allowed shall be personal to them irrespective of the post in which they are re-deployed. · The seniority in new cadres will be counted from the date of joining the new cadre. · The surplus Drivers may be accommodated at the same station, if possible or at the place of choice failing which the nearby station. · In case the above options do not result in to adjustment of the surplus Drivers at Headquarters/Regional Centres, they may be adjusted by transferring them to the Regional Centres where vehicles are available but no Driver is posted. In case no option is received, the junior most Driver may be redeployed for suitable operational duties such as despatch, etc. in MPDD or SRED or by transfer to the needy Regional Centres. (viii) With regard to the proposal for creation of the post of a Liaison Officer in the University, the Board decided that the post of the Liaison Officer shall be in the scale of pay of an Assistant Registrar (i.e. Rs.8000-13500). While
considering the case for grant of financial incentive to the Non-Academic
employees, who have completed Ph.D, the Board desired that the details of the
contributions made by such staff may be assessed with the help of an Expert
Committee and the recommendation of the Expert Committee be placed before the
Board for consideration. A copy of the recommendations is placed as Appendix – 8. |
ITEM NOs. 20, 21 & 43 BM 89.20.1
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEES/DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITEES FOR THE POSTS OF TEACHER , ACADEMICS AND NON-ACADEMIC GROUP A OFFICERS The
Item was taken up for consideration along with Item No. 21 and 43. The
Secretary explained that the meetings of the Selection
Committees/Departmental Promotion Committees
were held for selection of the teachers, academics and non-academic
staff as per details given below: |
A. Recommendations of the Selection Committees for teachers/ academics
Date of the Meeting |
Positions |
Names Recommended |
Remarks |
19.12.2006 |
Appointment to the Post
of Professor of Law |
Dr. Srikrishna Deva Rao |
Recommended |
21.01.2007 |
Selection
to the Post of Lecturer in English (Editorial Unit) |
Sh.
Parmod Kumar |
Protection of pay as per
rules |
31.01.2007 |
Selection to the Post of
Lecturer in Distance Education (STRIDE) |
Sh.
Sathya Sunder Sethy |
-- |
01-02-2007 |
Selection
to the Post of Lecturer in Chemistry |
1.
Dr. Kamalika
Banerjee 2.
Dr. Punita Singh |
Protection of pay as per rules -- |
25-02-2007 |
Appointment to the post
of Programme Officer in DEP-SSA |
1.
Dr. Manoj Kr.
Pradhan 2.
Dr. Manoj Kr.
Dash 3.
Dr. Ananda
Padhan |
In
the order of merit. |
25-02-2007 |
Appointment to the post
of Admn.-cum-Finance Officer in DEP-SSA |
None found suitable. |
The
post to be re-advertised |
B. Career Advancement of teachers/academics
Date of the Meeting |
Positions |
Names Recommended |
Remarks |
14-12-2006 |
Reader for promotion to
the post of Professor of Hindi under CAS |
Dr. Rakesh Vats |
Recommended
|
14-12-2006 |
Placement in the Senior
Scale of Lecturer in Hindi |
Dr. J.K. Shrivastav |
Recommended
|
12-02-2007 |
Promotion to the post of
Deputy Director and equivalent/ placement in Selection Grade under CAS |
1. Dr. (Mrs.) Kalpana Santosh Gupte 2. Dr. S. Fiayaz Ahmed 3. Dr. (Mrs.) Kanan Sharma 4. Dr. D. R. Sharma 5. Dr. (Mrs.) Hema Pant 6. Dr. Anil Kumar Dimri 7. Shri G.H. Imrapur 8. Dr. Anil Kumar Mishra 9. Dr. S. Raja Rao 10.
Dr. S.S.
Singh 11.
Dr. Santhosh
Kumari 12.
Dr. K.D.
Prasad 13.
Dr. M.
Krishnaiah 14.
Dr. A.N.
Tripathi 15.
Dr. Asha
Khare 16.
Dr. Mamta
Bhatia |
Recommended,
Dy. Director
Recommended,
Dy. Director
Recommended,
Dy. Director
Dy. Director
Dy. Director
Dy. Director Selection Grade Dy. Director Dy. Director Dy. Director Selection Grade Selection Grade Selection Grade Dy. Director Dy. Director Proceedings
to be kept under sealed cover |
12-02-2007 |
Placement
of Assistant Regional Directors in
the Senior Scale |
1. Dr. Sareh Nasreen 2. Dr. Manjula Saxena 3. Shri M. Rajesh 4. Dr. Joginder Kumar Yadav |
|
13-02-2007 |
Promotion to the post of Deputy Directors and equivalent/ placement in Selection Grade under CAS |
1.
Dr. W.A. Khan 2.
Ms. Sangeeta
Saxena 3.
Shri B.P.
Gupta 4.
Shri
Sangameshwar Rao |
Recommended,
Dy. Director Recommended,
Selection Grade Recommended,
Selection Grade Recommended,
Selection Grade |
13-02-2007 |
Placement of a Lecturer
in Mathematics in the Senior Scale |
Dr. Deepika |
Recommended |
22-02-2007 |
Reader for promotion to
the post of Professor of English under
CAS |
Dr. Anju Sehgal Gupta |
Recommended
with retrospective effect from the date of completion of the period stipulated. |
22-02-2007 |
Reader for promotion to
the post of Professor of Hindi under CAS |
Dr. Shatrughna Kumar |
Recommended |
22-02-2007 |
Placement in Selection
Grade/ Promotion to the post of Reader in Hindi under CAS |
Dr. Smita Chaturvedi |
Recommended |
C. Departmental Promotion Committee/Selection Committee Meetings for Group A and B Non-academic positions
Date of the Meeting |
Positions |
Names Recommended |
Remarks |
31-01-2007 31-01-2007 and 24-02-2007 31-01-2007 |
Promotion to the post of
Joint Registrar Promotion to the post of
Deputy Registrar Panel for promotion of
Section Officers/SPAs to the post of
Assistant Registrars Placement of Group-A Officers in the Senior Scale Placement of Group-B officers in the next scale
under Upward Movement Scheme |
Shri Y.V. Ramakrishna Rao 1.
Shri G.
Vijaya Raju 2.
Shri K.S.
Maurya 3.
Shri O.P.
Bangia 2.
Ms. S.
Bhattacharya 3.
Ms. Seema
Goswami 4.
Sh.
S.Balasubramaniam 5.
Shri M.S.
Sethi 6.
Shri D.R. Sarin 7.
Shri Anand
Swaroop 8.
Shri J.K.
Chalia (SC) 9.
Shri P.K.
Vishwanathan (SC) 1.
Shri P.V.
Chadha, AR 2.
Shri Y.
Noorudin, Asstt. Executive Engineer 3.
Shri Rakesh
Kumar Jain,AE 4.
Shri Y.S.
Bhambulkar, (*) AR 1.
Shri D.P.
Bhagat, SO 2.
Mrs. Promila
Soni, SO(P) 3.
Shri Ajit
Kumar, SO(P) 4.
Shri K.N.
Mohanan, SO(P) 5.
Shri Sharad
Kumar, (*) SPA |
The
persons at S.No. 1, 7 & 8 to be promoted and rest to form a panel. (*) In the case of Shri Y.S. Bhambulkar,
AR and Shri Sharad Kumar, SPA, the recommendations of the DPC are placed in
the sealed cover as the disciplinary proceedings are pending against the two
officials |
24-02-2007 |
Appointment to the post
of Joint Director, Computer Division |
1.
Mr. Murali
Mojeswara Rao 2.
Ms. Satya
Gupta 3.
Ms. Anjana
Verma |
In
the order of merit |
BM 89.20.2 |
The Board considered
the recommendations of Selection Committee Meetings, Departmental Promotion Committee
Meetings and approved the recommendations made by the Committees. |
ITEM NO. 21 BM 89.21.1
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE MEETING FOR PROMOTION OF NON-ACADEMIC GROUP
A & B OFFICERS AND PLACEMENT OF GROUP A & B OFFICERS IN THE NEXT
HIGHER SCALE The item was taken up for consideration alongwith Item No. 20 of the Agenda. |
ITEM NO. 22 BM 89.22.1
|
TO CONSIDER THE
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL CENTRES OF THE UNIVERSITY AT MUMBAI AND The item was taken up for consideration. The Board approved the proposal to
establish two more Regional Centres at Mumbai and It further resolved that the Academic and
Non-Academic posts as per norm prescribed by the University, will stand
created with the establishment of these Regional Centres. The staff getting appointed against these
newly created posts in these Regional Centres shall be engaged there only, at
least for first 02 years, or until further orders. It further resolved that the premises for
these Centres may be hired till an alternative arrangement of providing
accommodation by the state Government takes place. |
ITEM NO. 23 BM 89.23.1
|
TO CONSIDER NOMINATION OF A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ON THE DISTANCE EDUCATION COUNCIL UNDER CLAUSE (3)(a)(v) OF STATUTE 28 The Board considered the proposal and authorized
the Chairman to nominate a member of the Board of Management not in the
service of the University on the Distance Education Council under Clause
(3)(a)(v) of Statute 28 with effect from 04-03-2007 against the vacancy
caused by expiry of the term of Prof. Y.K. Alagh and
report the nomination made. |
ITEM NO. 24 BM 89.24.1 BM 89.24.2
|
TO CONSIDER
THE PROPOSAL FOR INSTITUTION OF A CHAIR NAMED ‘VISVESVARAYA CHAIR FOR WORK
EDUCATION LINKAGES’ IN THE The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that there
was a proposal to institute a Chair named ‘Visvesvaraya Chair for Work
Education Linkages’ in the School of Engineering & Technology. The main objectives of the Chair are: (i)
To identify
technological gaps between the needs in the field and available technology. (ii) To develop
more intense work education linkages in engineering and technology areas, and (iii) To identify
training and research needs of the industry and to develop tailor-made education
and training programmes to cater to the customized needs of the industry. The
Board approved the proposal and directed that the modalities and the
guidelines of the University for instituting chairs may be followed in the
matter. |
ITEM NO. 25 BM 89.25.1
|
TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 53RD MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON FEBRUARY 24, 2007 The
Board considered and approved the Minutes of the 53rd Meeting of
the Finance Committee held on
24-02-2007. The Board
specifically approved the following recommendations of the Finance Committee: ·
The revision
of the rates of payment for providing support services at Study Centres/
Programme Centres, Programmes, Examination activities, etc. subject to a maximum of 50% or the increase
proposed, whichever is less. ·
Payment of
Rs.1,92,50,707/- to Prasar Bharati towards Licence Fee for Gyan Vani stations
and payment of Rs.13,90,800/- to Prasar Bharati for play back facilities in
respect of Gyan Vani Station, Shillong.
·
Delegation of
Financial Powers to the functionaries of the Regional Centres. ·
Making token
provision of Rs.1.00 crore under
Non-Plan on the Budget Estimates 2007-08. ·
Payment of
Sitting Fee to Rs.1000/- to the External Experts invited by the University to
its various committees. ·
Institutionalizing
SAKSHAT in view of the IGNOU being declared a Nodal Agency. ·
Creation of a
temporary post of a Liaison Officer in the scale of pay of Assistant
Registrar (Rs.8000-13500) to be filled in on deputation/contract basis. The qualifications for the post to be
prescribed. ·
The Board
noted the contents of the draft Performance Audit Report on IGNOU for the
period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 and efforts made by the University to
respond to the paras. ·
Formation of
Inter-University Consortium of Open Universities. ·
Telephone
facility to various officers. ·
Internet
facility to all Study Centres. ·
Rs.2000/- for
promotional publications/leaflets/ brochures for each Study Centre. A
copy of the Minutes of the Finance Committee is placed as Appendix – 9. |
ITEM NO. 26 BM 89.26.1 BM 89.26.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE 11TH FIVE YEAR PLAN (2007-2012) PROPOSAL FOR IGNOU AND OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM The item was taken up for consideration. The Board was informed that the University
was invited by the Ministry of Human Resource Development to submit its
proposals for the 11th Five Year Plan in respect of IGNOU and Open
and Distance Learning by December 12, 2006 to enable the Ministry to process
the same for submission to the Planning Commission. The Ministry also provided a Working Paper
on the 11th Plan Proposals for open and distance learning to be
taken into consideration, while finalizing the proposals. The Working Paper was discussed extensively
in the University with the Functional Heads/Nodal Officers of the key
activities and after incorporating the new activities, the University
submitted a revised proposal to the Ministry on December 12, 2006. The matter was further placed before the
Planning Board of the University which approved the outlay of Rs.8116 crores
for the ODL system for the 11th Five Year Plan. A list of the
programme approved is placed as Appendix –
10.
The highlights of the 11th Five Year Plan Proposal were
explained and it was mentioned that the ODL system presently provides excess
to quality education to about 24.7% of the total population of learners in
higher education sector. By the end of
11th Five Year Plan Period, the ODL system is expected to cater to
about 40% of the higher education learners in the country with a targeted
enrolment of around 7 million students. One of the members pointed out that the courses/
programmes proposed for inclusion in the 11th Five Year Plan by
the The Board discussed in detail and approved the proposed
the outlay of Rs.8,116 crores for the 11th Five Year Plan
(2007-2012) for the IGNOU and the Open Distance Learning System and. A copy of the 11th Plan Proposal
for IGNOU and Open Distance Learning (ODL) System is placed as Appendix – 11. |
ITEM NO. 27 BM 89.27.1 BM 89.27.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LEARNER SUPPORT CENTRE AT THE ECONOMICALLY AND EDUCATIONALLY BACKWARD BLOCKS OF THE COUNTRY The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that the
University received information from the Planning Commission, Government of
India with regard to the Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) in the country,
with State-wise and District-wise details, a list of 50 districts with high
concentration of Muslim population and a table indicating the socio-economic
indicators of top 100 districts (by size of Muslim population – Sachar
Commission Report on the basis of 2001 census). The issues were considered and it was decided
that during the 11th Plan Period, IGNOU should provide educational
opportunities to these deprived regions and sections of the society
identified by the Sachar Commission and provide atleast one Study Centre in
each of the Educationally Backward Blocks.
This necessitated identification of extremely Educationally Backward
Blocks where the Study Centres could be established on priority basis. A Committee was, therefore, constituted by
the Vice-Chancellor with internal members and Joint Adviser, Planning Commission,
Govt. of India. The Committee
inter alia recommended the need for identification of such
districts among the list provided by Planning Commission, where IGNOU’s Study
Centres already exist and also where no Centre exists including the factor of
accessibility of the minorities and in case it was considered inadequate, the
possibility of opening Learner Support Centres. Further, the Committee recommended that in
the Educationally Backward Blocks, opening of Sub-Study Centres linking them
with the existing Study Centres should be considered instead of opening
full-fledged Study Centres. The
Committee also recommended establishment of Sub-Study Centres exclusively for
girls. It has also been recommended
that the possibilities of establishing such Sub-Study Centres having ties
with the Madrasas and the educational institutions run by the Muslim
community should be explored. The Board considered and approved the
recommendations of the Committee regarding establishment of Learner Support
Centres in the Economically and Educational Backward Blocks of the country
and activation of the programmes. |
ITEM NO. 28 BM 89.28.1 BM 89.28.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BRAINSTORMING MEETING ON NATIONAL The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that a
paper on National Mission in Education through distance learning received
from the Ministry was placed before the Board of Management at its 88th
Meeting held on
27-11-2006. The Board had noted
the details in the mission paper and desired that in view of the paramount
importance of the matter, the issues be discussed in detail involving the
experts and the stakeholders in the field.
Subsequently, a brainstorming meeting on National Mission in Education
through distance learning was held in the University on December 29, 2006. The recommendations made in the Meeting
included: (i)
Since our
absorption capability and doing things of this magnitude is a big challenge
for the University, there was need to split the objects into short-term and
long-term goals. (ii)
The SAKSHAT content
should be interesting and useful and the portal should not be understood as a
Web-Site, nor a source of lot of information. (iii)
The portal
should not be restricted to one nation only.
International efforts should be welcomed and linked up subject to quality
and price control. (iv)
The
preliminary estimate of the budget on SAKSHAT for the 11th Five
Year Plan comes to Rs.5,265 crores. (v)
DEC as a
regulatory body should ensure the maintenance of quality and standard in
distance learning etc. (vi)
We must have
collaborations across CSIR institutes, regular universities, IITs etc in the
form of talented manpower etc. A copy of the recommendations is placed as Appendix
– 12. The matter was discussed in detail. The Board appreciated the initiative of the
University in implementation of the recommendations contained in the |
ITEM NO. 29 BM 89.29.1 |
TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATION OF PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FOR RATIONALIZATION OF FEE FOR POOR AND MERITORIOUS STUDENTS SEEKING EDUCATION THROUGH ODL SYSTEM The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that the
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development in its 172nd
Report has recommended rationalization of fees for poor and meritorious
students seeking education through ODL system. He informed that the University charges fee
uniformly from all the students and as of now there is no policy for fee
concession for poor and meritorious students and that the fees includes the
cost of print/electronic material (Audio, Video, CDs etc.) supplied to the
students. He further explained that
any subsidy in the fee charged from the poor and meritorious students would
require a policy decision from the Government of India and the Board of
Management of the University. The
Board considered the matter and desired that the University may constitute a
Committee to examine and make recommendations in the matter including the
financial implication in rationalization of the fee for poor and meritorious
students in tune with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Human Resource Development.
The recommendations of the Committee may be placed before the Board of
Management for its consideration. |
ITEM NO. 30 BM 89.30.1 |
TO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL ON INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS INITIATED BY IGNOU The item was considered alongwith Item No. 7 of
the agenda. |
ITEM NO. 31 & ITEM NO. 42 BM 89.31.1 BM 89.31.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE FACULTY OF
POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOSS ON RE-EMPLOYMENT OF PROF. PANDAV NAYAK ON ATTAINING
THE AGE OF SUPERANNUATION ON 30TH APRIL, 2007 The item was taken up for consideration along with Item
No. 42 of the agenda. The Secretary informed
the Board that a proposal was received from the Discipline Coordinator of the
faculty of Political Science through the Director, SOSS recommending
re-employment of Prof. Pandav Nayak for a period of 03 years from the date of
his superannuation, i.e., 30-4-2007.
The proposal further mentioned that Prof. Pandav Nayak was currently
involved in design and development of a Certificate Programme (Consumer
Protection) and in writing an Elective Course for M.A. (Political Sciecne)
and his services would be of immense use for the growth of the
discipline. The Secretary further
informed that there is provisions under Statute 17 for re-employment of a
teacher in the University with the condition that no teacher shall be
eligible to be re-employed after he attained the age of 65 years. This was further subject to the condition
that a teacher so employed shall not be eligible to hold an office, which
involves administrative work with a further provision that salary on re-employment
shall be fixed after taken into account the pension or other retirement
benefits drawn by the teacher in accordance with the rules of the Central
Government. He further mentioned that
on his re-employment, Prof. Pandav Nayak shall retain the scale of pay of
Rs.16400-22400 and occupy the post till he attains the age of 65 years or
till the period of re-employment whichever is earlier. The Secretary further informed the Board
that as per the information received from the Principal Secretary to the
Government of Orissa, a Charge Sheet under IPC has been submitted against
Prof. Pandav Nayak in the competent Court of jurisdiction for certain alleged
financial and administrative irregularities committed by him while working as
the Vice-Chancellor of the The Board deliberated the issue in detail and authorized the Vice Chancellor to get the matter further examined legally and to place the details before the Board. |
ITEM NO. 32 BM 89.32.1 BM 89.32.2 |
TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CAREER ADVANCEMENT SCHEME (CAS) FOR ACADEMICS OF IGNOU AND THE SPECIAL
CASE OF DR. V.VASUDEVAN, REGIONAL
DIRECTOR, COCHIN RETIRING ON
28-02-2007 The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that a Committee was constituted by the Vice-Chancellor to examine the issues relating to the implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme for the post of Joint Directors, Regional Directors and Deputy Directors working in the Academic Divisions of the University. He explained that the term teachers as defined under Section 2(p) of the IGNOU Act, says that teachers means Professors, Readers, Lecturers and such other persons as may be designated as such by the Ordinances for imparting instruction in the University or for giving guidance/ rendering assistance to students pursuing a course of study in this University. The IGNOU Act, thus, does not discriminate between the teachers and academics. Therefore, the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) applicable to the teachers of the University may be implemented for the academics as well with immediate effect. The Board considered the recommendation of the Committee constituted for this purpose. It was resolved to expedite the matter with the Government in line with the earlier resolutions of the Board. The Board considered the specific recommendation of the Committee with regard to the case of Dr. V. Vasudevan, Regional Director. Dr. Vasudevan is due for retirement on superannuation on 28-02-2007 and has also completed 8 years of service as Regional Director. Dr. Vasudevan has represented to the Vice-Chancellor and to the members of the Committee to appoint him as Regional Director in the scale of Rs.16400-22400. However, since the time left is very short for consideration of his case for promotion under CAS before the date of his superannuation and the matter involves the policy decision, the Board may consider the placement of Dr. V. Vasudevan in the scale of Rs.16400-22400. He further explained that Dr. Vasudevan has served as Regional Director in the University for 17 years without any career advancement and also belongs to the SC category. The Board considered the case of Dr. V. Vasudevan. It also noted that he had put in 17 years of service in the same grade since his joining in IGNOU. Further, it noted that he has rendered excellent service. It was also observed that Dr. Vasudevan belongs to the SC category and out of the already existing 6 positions in the senior grade there is no SC candidate. The Board also took into consideration that Dr. Vasudevan is retiring on 28-2-2007. On the basis of these aspects, the Board approved the recommendations of the Committee to place Dr. Vasudevan in the Senior Scale from the date of the Meeting the Board of Management, as a special case, which should not be quoted as a precedence. |
ITEM NO. 33 BM 89.33.1
|
TO CONSIDER NOMINATION OF A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF
MANAGEMENT ON THE WORKS COMMITTEE, A STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF
MANAGEMENT The Board considered the matter of nomination of a member on the Works Committee, a Standing Committee of the Board of Management, in place of Shri P.R. Swaroop, Director General, CIDC New Delhi whose term is expiring on 03.03.2007 and authorized the Vice-Chancellor to nominate a member on the Standing Committee under Clause (3) of its composition and report the matter to the Board. |
ITEM NO. 34 BM 89.34.1
|
TO CONSIDER THE LIFTING OF PROBATION AND
CONFIRMATION OF TEACHERS/ ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY The Board considered and approved the proposal for lifting of probation and confirmation of the following teachers/academic staff of the University as per the details below: |
S. No |
Name and Designation |
Date of joining |
Date of completion of probation |
Date of confirmation |
1 |
Shri. Amit Kumar
Srivastava, ARD, RC Jabalpur |
17.4.2006 |
16.4.2007
AN) |
17.4.2007 |
2 |
Dr. Dheerendra Pratap
Singh, ARD, RC Kolkata |
12.4.2006 |
11.4.2007(AN) |
12.4.2007 |
3 |
Prof. Suresh Dhuliya Professor (Communication) EMPC |
10.4.2006 |
9.4.2007 |
10.4.2007 |
4 |
Dr. Sunil Kumar Lecturer in Commerce,
SOMS |
3.2.2006 |
2.02.2007(AN) |
3.2.2007 |
|
ITEM NO. 35 BM 89.35.1 BM 89.35.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL STANDING
COMMITTEE ON ESTABLISHING NEW SCHOOLS OF STUDIES AND INCORPORATION OF THESE
SCHOOLS IN THE STATUTE 10A OF IGNOU The Secretary briefed the members of the recommendations of the Planning Board and the Academic Council’s Standing Committee for establishment of the new schools. The recommendations/deliberations of the various expert committees constituted for the purpose of consolidation of the 10th Plan and academic expansions in the 11th Plan in view of the Planning Commission Working Group and Knowledge Commission’s recommendations were also considered. The Board considered and approved the establishment of following new Schools of Studies in the University as part of the 11th Five Year Plan: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
School of
Vocational Education and Training 7.
8.
School of
Foreign Languages 9.
The Board further authorized addition of the above Schools under Statute 10A in terms of the provisions of the Statute ibid and authorized that the amendment/additions to Statute 10A may be placed before the Visitor in terms of the provision under Statute 25(3) of the Statutes of the University for consideration for accent. |
|
||
|
ITEM NO. 36 BM 89.36.1 BM 89.36.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF
NATIONAL OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNERS’ LIBRARY AND INFORMATION NETWORK
(NODLINET) The item was taken up for consideration. The Board was informed that the open and distance learning in the country has made a tremendous growth in providing access to higher education to the masses. The enrolment in the University having already crossed over 1.4 million under different programmes in the short span of 20 years of its existence. If the enrolments in other open universities/Correspondence Courses Institutes is taken into account it has crossed 4.5 million as on date. The distant learners in the System are in a disadvantages position to the extent that the library and information services similar to the students in the conventional universities are not available to them. The matter has been engaging the concern of distance education providers for quite some time. The use of information, communication and web based technology, the digital and virtual information systems hold great promise to meet this challenge. To examine potentialities, an Expert Committee consisting of the external experts was appointed by the Vice-Chancellor which recommended establishment of a National Open and Distance Learners’ Library and Information Network (NODLINET). A national meet of experts was organized which unanimously endorsed the recommendations of the Expert Committee for establishment of the ODL Library and Information network at national level with the scope of content and implementation methodology as suggested by these forums. The network shall be a unique one without duplicating the library networks already available. The matter was discussed in detail. The Board appreciated the need for establishment of National Open and Distance Learners’ Library and Information Network (NODLINET). The Board, therefore, approved the proposal and decided that – (i) A National Task Force may be formed to examine the whole gamut of issues highlighted, to delineate the activities and to coordinate the network activities. (ii) The University may constitute a Committee for content selection. (iii) The University should negotiate the rates and also the possibilities of linking the SAKSHAT portal. Any information on SAKSHAT should also be part of IGNOU/ODL system. (iv) The selection of the books in the electronic form should be done by the University and the entire books should be procured and maintained as the assets of the University |
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ITEM NO. 37 BM 89.37.1 |
TO REPORT THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR IN
ENTRUSTING TEMPORARY CHARGE OF THE POSITIONS OF DIRECTORS OF A
SCHOOL/DIVISION/ CENTRE AND PROJECT DIRECTOR, DEP-SSA TO OTHER OFFICERS OF
THE UNIVERSITY The Secretary briefly explained the item. The Board considered and ratified the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor in entrusting the temporary charge of positions of Directors of the following Schools/ Divisions/Centres and Project Director, DEP-SSA: |
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S.No. |
Incumbent who vacated the post and reasons for vacation |
Name of the Officer to whom the charge has been entrusted temporarily |
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01. |
Prof. Gayatri Kansal desired that she may be
relieved from the duties of Director, School of Engineering & Technology
on health grounds. |
Dr. P. Srinivas Kumar, Reader in Civil
Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology with effect from
22.2.2007. He is designated as the
Reader in Charge. |
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02. |
Dr.
Vijayalakshmi Basavaraj, Director, NCDA was repatriated to her parent institution
(i.e) Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for Hearing Handicapped. |
Prof. Gracious Thomas, Professor of Rural
Development, School of Continuing Education. w.e.f. 7.11.2006. |
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03. |
Prof. Madhulika Kaushik, who was looking after the
charge of the post of Director, NCIDE proceeded on Extra Ordinary Leave from
1.1.2007. |
Prof. M. Aslam, Professor of Rural Development, |
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04. |
Prof. Madhulika Kaushik, who was looking after the
charge of the post of Director, P&D Division proceeded on Extra Ordinary
Leave from 1.1.2007. |
Dr. C.G. Naidu, Head, Project Facilitation Unit
w.e.f. 29.12.2006 (AN). |
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05. |
Prof. S.V.S. Chaudhary, Project Director, DEP-SSA was
sanctioned Extra Ordinary Leave – which was later cancelled – to accept an
academic assignment at |
Prof. M.L. Koul, Professor of Education from
15.9.2006. |
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BM 89.37.2
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The Board also ratified the action taken by the
Vice-Chancellor in entrusting the charge of Director, Inter University
Consortium (IUC) to Prof. P.R. Ramanujam with effect from 9-1-2007
temporarily in addition to his own duties.
It further ratified the action of the Vice Chancellor in entrusting
the charge of the School of Computer & Information Sciences to Shri
Shashi Bhushan Sharma temporarily designated as Reader-in-charge and Mrs.
Suneet Kashayap designated as Lecturer-in-charge of the |
ITEM NO. 38 BM 89.38.1 BM 89.38.2 BM 89.38.3
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TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT ON
IGNOU FOR THE PERIOD FROM 2001-02 TO 2005-06 The item was taken up for consideration. The Chairman apprised
the Board of the Performance Audit conducted by the Director General of
Audit, Central Revenues, The members welcomed the move by the Chairman to constitute an Expert Committee for review of the performance and the total impact analysis of the University. Members expressed that University has made tremendous growth in terms of infrastructural development, expansion of its network within the country and overseas, the student enrolment and launch of programmes. Nevertheless, there was a need for introspection to improve upon the system, wherever, deficient. Further, the feedback from the faculty should also be obtained while doing the impact analysis. The members felt that the lead taken by the Indira Gandhi National Open University at national level in the matter will pave the way for similar impact analysis by the State Open Universities of their offerings of the Courses. After detailed discussion, the Board approved the proposal for constitution of an expert group for a total impact analyses and performance of the University, such a study should also involve the preparation of a Vision Document for the University. The Board also desired that the response to the observations contained in the Performance Audit Report may be communicated at the earliest. |
ITEM NO. 39 BM 89.39.1 BM 89.39.2
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TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL FOR FORMATION OF THE INTER-UNIVERSITY
CONSORTIUM OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that a meeting of
the Vice-Chancellors of Open Universities was held on 2nd
February, 2007 and after detailed deliberations, it has been decided to
establish an Inter-University Consortium of Indian Open Universities with a
primary objective of promoting and nurturing the collaborative efforts of the
open universities, other institutions of learning, the NGOs, international
bodies, industry, etc. through technology enabled education, training and
development. The Board was further
informed that a Memorandum of Association will be signed by the member Open
Universities and the other bodies joining the Consortium, where upon the
Consortium will be formally registered as per the governing laws. It was further envisaged that the concerned
Ministries will be approached for granting autonomy to the Consortium. The Consortium shall be provided with the
necessary infrastructure and lab facilities and digital classrooms shall also
be created and the experts shall be drawn from member The item was discussed in detail. The Board appreciated and approved the proposal for setting up of the Inter University Consortium of Open Universities coordinated by IGNOU and the Distance Education Council. |
ITEM NO. 40 BM 89.40.1 BM 89.40.2
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TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL STUDY CENTRES AT
JAN SHIKSHAN SANSTHANS (JSSSSC) RECOMMENDED AFTER SPECIFIC IDENTIFICATION BY
THE DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY, MHRD The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that the Jan Shikshan Sansthans are institutes for conducting vocational training programme for different clientale groups ranging from illiterates, neo literates with some education. The Sansthans are funded by the MHRD, Government of India. The Sansthans have been sanctioned to the NGOs but are registered separately under the societies Registration Act. The MHRD has identified the Jan Shikshan Sansthans and furnished a list to the University to consider establishment of Special Study Centres at these Jan Shikshan Sansthans. It was explained that the University has a scheme of establishment of Special Study Centres for the disadvantaged sections of the society and the working of the Jan Shikshan Sansthans is in tune with the objective of the University to reach out to the disadvantaged and educationally backward areas of the country. It is, therefore, proposed to open Special Study Centres at the Jan Shikshan Sansthans identified by the Ministry and to name these Centres as Jan Shikshan Sansthans Special Study Centres (JSSSSC). The Board considered and approved the proposal. A list of the Jan Shikshan Sansthans where the University proposes to establish special study centres is placed as Appendix - 13. |
ITEM NO. 41 BM 89.41.1 BM 89.41.2
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TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE GUIDELINES FOR THE AWARD
OF RESEARCH AND TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board of Management at its 36th Meeting held on 24-2-1994 approved the proposal on the procedures to be followed for selection of candidates for award of Junior Research Fellowship in the University. Further the Board of Management and Planning Board approved the paper on the Research Policy of the University in principle to institute a scheme of 10 Research Fellowships and 05 Research Associateships each during the 8th Plan for its implementation from the year 1995-1996 onwards for a period of 05 years. Subsequently, the Research Council of the University while considering the proposal for reviving the research activities in the University constituted a Sub-Committee with certain specific terms of references. The Committee at its meeting held on 30-04-2001 made recommendations for offering of the Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) by the discipline in a School. Though the recommendations regarding offering of the 03 JRFs/discipline were not placed before the Research Council/Academic Council, a mention was, however, made in the status paper on research activities of the University placed before the Research Council at its 8th Meeting held on 21-11-2006 and the Research Council resolved that JRFs be awarded on the specific requests from the disciplines. A Committee was therefore, constituted for framing guidelines for the award of Research and Teaching Assistantships. The Committee framed the guidelines for IGNOU-DEC Research and Teaching Assistantships in the University. The main objective of the Scheme is to attract the best talents into teaching-cum-research in the areas of open and distance learning/teaching. The Scheme will provide opportunities to the researchers who undertake advance studies and research and teaching in the field of open and distance learning. The candidates will be registered in the University for Ph.D degree under the rules of the University/a State Open University. The Board considered and approved the proposal for IGNOU DEC Research and Teaching Assistantships (RTA) in the University for implementation from July 2007. A copy of the guidelines is placed at Appendix- 14. |
ITEM NO. 42 BM 89.42.1
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TO REPORT THE LEGAL OPINION IN RESPECT OF PROF.
PANDAV NAYAK REGARDING THE ALLEGED
CASE INITIATED AGAINST HIM BY THE ORISSA GOVERNMENT WHILE WORKING AS THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, The item was considered alongwith Item No. 31 of the agenda. |
ITEM NO. 43 BM 89.43.1.1 |
TO CONSIDER
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING FOR THE POST OF JOINT
DIRECTOR, COMPUTER DIVISION HELD ON 24TH FEBRUARY, 2007 The item was considered alongwith Item No. 20 and 21 of the agenda. |
ITEM NO. 44 BM 89.44.1 BM 89.44.2 |
TO CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANT AT REGIONAL
CENTRE, The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that the
Regional Centre, a) Assess
needs of the disadvantaged rural learners, rural women, physically challenged
and socially disadvantaged persons of the State, and recommend establishment
of learner support centres, activation of academic programmes at the centres
for providing them access to quality education through IGNOU study centres.
b) Monitor
provision of support services to the above mentioned disadvantaged sections
of the society through the learner support centres.
c) Ensure availability
of study material and reflection of assignment grades and project report
grades by coordinating with the MPDD and the SRE Division respectively.
d) Coordinate establishment of DRS, SITs and
ROTs and their functioning in the region.
e) Coordinate
activities related to development of region-based, region-specific academic
programmes, and
f) Translation of the identified academic
programmes of IGNOU into Malayalam.
The
Board considered and approved the proposal of appointment of Dr. V. Vasudevan
as Consultant at Regional Centre, a)
Dr.Vasudevan,
Consultant will report to the Regional Director / Regional Director I/C
concerned. b)
He will be
paid a consolidated salary of Rs.20,000/- P.M. c)
He may be initially
appointed for a period of six months. His term of appointment will be renewed
after a period of six months at the recommendations of the Regional Director
up to a maximum of two years. |
ITEM NO. 45 BM 89.45.1 BM 89.45.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL FOR REVIVAL OF UNESCO CHAIR The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board of
Management at its 49th Meeting held on 8-11-1996 had approved
establishment of UNESCO Chair in the The Board considered and approved the proposal. |
ITEM NO. 46 BM 89.46.1 BM 89.46.2
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TO CONSIDER COLLABORATION OF IGNOU WITH M S SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION (MSSRF), CHENNAI TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER ACADEMIC PRORAMMES FOR UNSKILLED WORKERS AT THE VILLAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTRES (VKCs) AND THE VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRES (VRCs) OF THE FOUNDATION The item was taken up for consideration. The Board was informed that the University received a proposal from M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai for collaboration with IGNOU to develop and deliver academic programmes for unskilled workers at the Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs) and the Village Resource Centres (VRCs) run by the Foundation. It was explained that these Centres are projects of the ISRO. The Foundation proposes to establish Study Centres at the VKCs and VRCs and to activate academic programmes such as Mushroom Cultivation, Computer Literacy, Disaster Management, Dairy Farming and Edusat based training programmes. A Committee was, therefore, constituted by the Vice-Chancellor to look in the the modalities of the proposal. The Committee recommended the collaboration with the Foundation with a condition that the Foundation will provide necessary infrastructure and other requisite facilities of the profile of the VRCs so that they can act as Rural Need Based Special Study Centres (RNBSSC) of the University which will be considered as new addition to the different kinds of learner support centres of the University. It was further proposed to activate the programmes at 15 VRCs of the foundation on the basis of suitable extension methodologies for a duration ranging between 2 weeks to one month. It is further proposed to offer the print material in Tamil, Oriya and Marathi in addition to Hindi and English languages. The Board considered and approved the proposal. |
ITEM NO. 47 BM 89.47.1 BM 89.47.2
|
TO CONSIDER COLLABORATION OF IGNOU WITH
MITRANIKETAN, VELANAD, KERALA The item was taken up for consideration. Dr. K. Vishwanathan, Chairman of the Mitraniketan gave a brief account of the activities undertaken by the Mitraniketan starting from its inception in 1956. It was recalled that the University has already signed an MOC with the Mitraniketan, Velanad, Kerala in May 2006 with the approval of the Board of Management. The MOC provided for launching of various programmes for certification of competencies in several areas in engineering and agriculture sector. An MOU has now been signed between the two organizations and Mitraniketan has been identified as one of the vocational training centre for Certificate programmes for Motor Cycle Service Repairs launched under the IGNOU-HHML Motor Cycle Technicians Competency Development Project. The matter was discussed in detail. The Board lauded the efforts of the University to collaborate with the voluntary organization, which was engaged in various vocational and competency development for the poor, the SC, ST and other weaker sections of the society and approved the proposal.
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ITEM NO. 48 BM 89.48.1 BM 89.48.2
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ENGAGEMENT OF FULL-TIME FACULTY/ CONSULTANT AT B.ED.
STUDY CENTRE AS PER REQUIREMENTS OF NCTE NORMS The item was taken up for consideration. Prof. M.C. Sharma, Director, School of Education gave a brief account of the proposal. Prof. Sharma explained that the University has been offering the B.Ed degree programme through distance mode at 183 Study Centres in the country. The NCTE norms provide for minimum core faculty of one Professor, one Reader and four Lecturers for intake of 500 students at the headquarters and for every additional intake of 100 students or part thereof one additional full-time faculty or two part-time faculty and further one Coordinator, one Assistant Coordinator and Support Staff at the B.Ed Study Centre with intake of 100 students. In a meeting of the Vice-Chancellor and the Chairman, NCTE held on 5-12-2006, the requirement of one full-time faculty member at the Study Centres was stressed and it was agreed to comply with the norms and the standards laid down by the NCTE in respect of B.Ed programme. It has, therefore, been proposed to engage one full-time Consultant at the level of a Lecturer/or Lecturer having the qualifications as per the NCTE norms on contract basis for each of the Study Centres of the University having 100 B.Ed students or part thereof in additional to the provision of Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and other supporting staff. It was also proposed to follow the NCTE stipulations strictly in the B.Ed. Programme through distance mode. The Board deliberated and approved the proposal. |
ITEM NO. 49 BM 89.49.1 BM 89.49.2
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TO CONSIDER SETTING UP OF PUBLIC GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL UNIT IN THE UNIVERSITY The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed the Board that the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India under their O.M. No.K-11011/1/2005 dated 27-9-2005 have stressed the need for strengthening of public grievances, redressal mechanism in the University by nominating a full-time grievance officer to be known as Director of Grievances in the University. The Ministry has further desired that the name and designation of the officer/staff so nominated be informed to Ministry. The Secretary also read the contents of the Government of India letter in the matter for information of the Board. With a view to comply with the directions of the Ministry, it is proposed to set up a Public Grievance Redressal Unit in the University with appropriate support staff. The officer/staff to be nominated as Grievance Officer shall be from the existing Officers of University in accordance with the GOI OM. The Board considered and approved the proposal. |
ITEM NO. 50 BM 89.50.1 BM 89.50.2
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TO CONSIDER THE ACCEPTANCE OF PROF. M.S. SWAMINATHAN TO SERVE
AS IGNOU CHAIR FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board at
its 88th Meeting held on 27-11-2006 approved institution of six
Chairs in various areas of studies.
The University accordingly, made an invitation to Prof. M.S.
Swaminathan, a world renowned Scientist in Agriculture who is widely
recognized in the country as the Father of Green Revolution. Prof. Swaminathan has kindly accepted the
offer and has communicated his willingness to serve as IGNOU Chair for
sustainable development. Prof. Swaminathan
will serve the Chair in a purely honorary capacity. The University, however, will meet his
travel expenses to and fro The Board considered the proposal. The Board felt that it will be a great honour for the University to have an eminent person like Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in its fold and approved the proposal. The Board authorized the Vice-Chancellor to provide the necessary academic and administrative support including a full time executive director, to the Chair with the help of a National Core Committee.
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ITEM NO. 51 BM 89.51.1 BM 89.51.2 BM 89.51.3 BM 89.51.4 BM 89.51.5 |
TO CONSIDER THE ISSUE OF APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION The item was taken up for consideration. The Secretary informed that the Board at
its 88th meeting held on 27-11-2006 decided that the issues
relating to the appointment of Prof. Ved P. Goel to the post of Professor in
Education and other related matters shall be examined by the Chairman. He informed the Board that the post of
Professor of Education was advertised in October, 2004 and in response 26
applications were received. The
preliminary screening of the applications was done by the The Secretary further informed the Board that the offer
letter of Prof. Ved P. Goel provided for a probation for a period of 12
months from the date of joining the University extendable upto a maximum
period of 24 months. Prof. Ved P. Goel vide his letter
dated 26-07-2005 requested that
the period of probation may be waived in his case as he was already working
in the University in the same grade since December, 2003. The request of Prof. Goel for waiver of the
probation period and the proposal from the The Secretary informed the Board that there is no provision in the Statutes of the University for extension of re-employment of a superannuated teacher in the post. The only provision that exists under Statute 17(9)(b) prescribes that in case of re-employment of teacher, the salary of the teacher shall be fixed after taking into account the pension or other retirement benefits drawn or to be drawn by him in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Central Government. In the case of Prof. Ved P. Goel, however, the pension/retirement benefits were not taken into consideration while fixing his pay and allowances. As regards the waiver of the probation period in his case, there is again no provision under the Statute and in the case of a teacher being appointed to a different post, the person is compulsorily placed on probation. Subsequently Prof. Goel resigned from the service of the University vide his letter dated 23-10-2006 and requested relief from the service of the University by 15-12-2006. His request was placed before the Board of Management at its 88th meeting held on 27-11-2006. The Board inter alia decided to change the nomenclature of his employment from the ‘extension of employment’ of Prof. Goel into ‘re-employment’ and also approved waiving of the shortfall in the notice period subject to the condition that issues relating to his appointment in the post and related matters shall be examined by the Chairman. Prof. Goel was finally relieved from his duties with effect from 26-12-2006. Subsequently, Dr. C.B. Sharma who was at S.No. 2 in the panel for the post of Professor of Education sought information, invoking the provisions of the Right to Information Act relating to the appointment of Prof. Ved P. Goel to the post of Professor of Education, extension of his employment beyond the period of superannuation etc. Dr. Sharma also made a representation to the Vice-Chancellor highlighting the irregularities in the appointment, extension of employment, fixation of pay on re-employment, etc. of Prof. Ved P. Goel. The various points raised by Dr. Sharma were clarified by the Academic Coordination Division. It has been pointed out that the panel prepared by the Selection Committee for the post of Professor contained 03 names and Dr. C.B. Sharma stood at S.No. 2. However, while recording the minutes of the Selection Committee the names of Dr. C.B. Sharma and Dr. N.K. Dash were omitted. The Director, Academic Coordination Division stated that Academic Coordination Division has no remarks to offer for this irregularity as the sealed covers were opened in the Board of Management and the minutes of the Board were recorded by the Governance Section. It has now been pointed out that the Board did not consider re-employment of Prof. Ved P. Goel under Statute 17(9)(b) as stated in the Office Order No.1130 dated 24-10-2005 and the decision was to extend the services of Prof. Ved P. Goel for 03 years. Since there is no provision for extension of employment of teachers beyond the age of superannuation, the Office Order was violative of the provisions of Statute 17(9)(b). Therefore, the post of Professor of Education which fell vacant on 1-2-2006 may be offered to Dr. C.B. Sharma whose name stood 2nd in the panel which was also alive on date on which Prof. Goel superannuated. The Board considered the item. The Board noted the irregularities which have taken place in extension of employment of Prof. Ved P. Goel and also the anomaly in the preparation of the Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Management and the office order and decided that the matter may be investigated with the help of an external committee and the outcome reported to the Board of Management. |
ITEM NO. 52 BM 89.52.1
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TO NOTE THE REPORT OF MR. P.R. DASGUPTA INQUIRY INTO ALLEGATION AGAINST PROF. H.P. DIKSHIT, EX-VICE-CHANCELLOR, IGNOU The Board was informed of the contents of Mr. P.R. Dasgupta Inquiry Report into the allegations against Prof. H.P. Dikshit, Ex-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU. The Board deliberated extensively on the various allegations and the observations of the inquiry officer and also the suggestions made in the Inquiry Report. Some of the members were of the view that the observations of the Inquiry Officer were one sided as these do not record the clarifications or the views of the Charged Officer. Some other members were of the view that the allegations should also be gone through internally and legal opinion obtained in the matter. The members suggested that the University should request the MHRD to provide full text of the allegations against Prof. Dikshit and his response to the charges and the matter decided in totality. |
ITEM NO. 53 BM 89.53.1 BM 89.53.2
|
TO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR CHARGING EXAMINATION FEE FROM THE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY The item was taken up for consideration. Registrar, SRE Division was invited to present the item. He explained that the students of the University are permitted to appear in the term-end examinations without any Examination Fee subject to the condition that they submit the Examination Forms by 31st March, in the case of June term-end examination and by 30th September in the case of December term-end examination. There is, however, a provision of charging late fee ranging from Rs.100 to Rs.1000 depending on the delay involved for late submission of examination forms. He further explained that due to the non-levy of any examination fees, a number of students tend to be slack and less serious in their studies and many a times apply but do not appear in the examinations. Elaborating further he explained that during the year 2006 (December 2005 and June 2006 Term End Examinations) a total of 5,66,592 students applied for examinations out of which only 3,27,640 students appeared. This results in a lot of infructuous and wasteful expenditure by the University on making arrangements for conduct of examinations for such students. In order to ensure that students who really intend to appear in the examinations are permitted and to avoid the infructuous expenditure on preparations, it is proposed that Examination Fee @ Rs.50/- per course be introduced commencing from the December 2007 term-end examinations. The Board considered the proposal for charging Examination Fee of Rs.50/- per course from December, 2007 term-end examinations and directed that necessary modalities may be worked out to amend the Ordinance. |
ITEM NO. 54 BM 89.54.1 BM 89.54.2
|
TO CONSIDER THE SCHEME OF REVALUATION OF ANSWER SCRIPTS IN THE UNIVERSITY The item was taken up for consideration. The Board was apprised that numerous requests from the students who are not satisfied with the examination results are received for revaluation of their answer scripts. The Board noted that as per the existing provisions there is no rule for revaluation of examination scripts in the University though a provision exists for rechecking of the answer scripts on payment of fee of Rs.100 per course. In the process only the totals of the marks awarded, the data entry errors, any portion of answer remaining unevaluated or the marks not awarded are checked and corrections, if any, allowed. The students are not satisfied with this procedure and there has been persistent demand for revaluation of answer scripts. It is, therefore, proposed to introduce the revaluation of the answer scripts, in substitution of the earlier scheme of rechecking of answer scripts, for which it is proposed to charge Rs.300 per answer script. The Board considered the proposal and directed that the modalities may be worked out to amend the Ordinance. |
ITEM NO. 55 BM 89.55.1
|
TO REPORT ON ALLOTMENT OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF IGNOU REGIONAL CENTRE BUILDING AT DARBHANGA The Secretary informed the Board that the Government of
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ITEM NO. 56 BM 89.56.1 BM 89.56.2
|
TO CONSIDER AWARD OF GOLD MEDALS TO THE TOPERS OF THE PROGRAMMES IN THE 18TH CONVOCATION The Board was informed that as per the existing practice, the University awards gold polished silver medals of 2” dia and 35 gms. to the toppers of degree/diploma programmes of the University. However, the members were of the view that the University should award gold medals instead of gold polished silver medals to encourage the meritorious students of the University. The members were further of the view that the gold medals of 9 ct purity may be considered for award. The Board considered the proposal and unanimously decided that the medals awarded by the University should be of pure gold. The Board approved that the gold medal of 9 ct. purity 2” dia and directed that the cost, etc. may be worked out and further action taken to implement the decision from March, 2007 convocation. |
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
(V.N.
RAJASEKHARAN PILLAI)
Chairman