Panjab University teacher resigns

CHANDIGARH - A Panjab University (PU) professor, who was accused by his students of making derogatory remarks, Thursday submitted his resignation to the varsity vice chancellor.

Dinesh Kumar Gupta resigned both as the chairperson of the University Business School (UBS) and from the post of professor, and tendeerd to the university a cheque of Rs.276,000 in lieu of three-month notice.

About 25 female students of the fourth-semester of M.Com (e-commerce) had submitted a written complaint to Vice Chancellor R.C. Sobti Feb 4 protesting derogatory remarks of Gupta. A special panel was formed to look into these allegations Feb 9 and classes of the department were suspended Feb 10.

Intensifying their campaign, students launched a sit-in outside Sobtis office Feb 12.

At a meeting of the varsity authorities held Feb 14 Gupta expressed his regret over the issue in writing. Following this, students ended their protest.

I did everything to maintain the dignity and prestige of PU and UBS and welfare of students. But now it may not be possible to lead the institution under present prevailing circumstances, said Gupta in his resignation letter.

Neither students nor the faculty members are happy with me and my decisions. I am taking the right step. I do not want to enter into any argument with anyone.

However, PU authorities claimed they were trying to resolve the issue.

The VC (vice chancellor) has not accepted the resignation of Professor Gupta. This issue would be resolved and we would make sure that dignity of the faculty members remained safe, said Naval Kishore, Dean of Students Welfare (DSW).

Students protests and strike have haunted PU teachers in the past also.

Earlier this month, authorities agreed to repatriate the director-principal of the dental college, affiliated to PU, after its students went on strike demanding his resignation.

Students of H.S. Judge Institute of Dental Sciences went on strike after a final year student accused the principal of humiliating her in public, directing her to unzip her jacket and to show him the T-shirt she was wearing in front of other students.