On Chancellor’s order, KU to reappoint sacked officer

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, May 23

Kurukshetra University (KU) today unanimously passed a resolution to reappoint an official as Executive Engineer (XEN), sacked four years ago from the same institute on account of alleged irregularities in his appointment.

Following orders of Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, the ex-officio Chancellor of KU, the Executive Council (EC) gave its formal approval in its meeting here today.

According to EC proceedings, the service of Ashok Kumar Malik was restored on April 27 by KU authorities “in anticipation of approval of EC to allow him in compliance of order of Governor-Chancellor”.

Malik was dismissed from service on November 13, 2013, after a KU panel found his appointment against rules.

Prior to joining KU as XEN on February 18, 2009, he was working at Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUST), Hisar.

KU was informed that Malik’s service was terminated by GJUST as Subdivision Engineer (public health), a lower position than XEN, with effect from February 18, 2011.

On May 28, 2013, GJUST further clarified that Malik’s promotion to XEN was turned down by the state government. His post was retained after he proceeded on leave without pay to join KU, GJUST had said.

Following a complaint against Malik’s appointment, the then Vice Chancellor had appointed a committee look into the allegations.

The committee found that contrary to the compulsory 10-year work experience as Assistant Engineer for the post of XEN, Malik had an experience only of seven years and two months.

Moreover, Malik had not submitted work experience papers before the selection and screening committee appointed. But, his appointment was approved by EC in 2009.

According to the synopsis of then inquiry committee tabled before the EC today, “Malik was not found eligible for the post. He concealed the relevant information pertaining to his eligibility.”

However, Malik’s services with GJUST were earlier restored in February, 2015, by the Chancellor. Meanwhile, the Governor-Chancellor in his order on April 24, observed Malik’s removal was illegal and arbitrary.

The Chancellor also directed KU to grant all financial and service benefits during the period was declared dismissed from service.