Chandigarh, February 14
The Haryana Government today abolished the post of Pro-Vice Chancellor in three universities, namely, MDU, Rohtak, KU, Kurukshetra and GJU, Hisar.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet held here today. Justifying the move, an official release said it was felt that over the past few years that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor had become a mere figurehead. Moreover, as powers and work of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) and the Vice-Chancellor were almost identical, the incumbent was often found involved in controversies which affected the smooth functioning of the university.
The release added that also in view of the Finance Department’s advice to reduce expenditure in universities, it was felt that there was no need for retaining the PVCs. About Rs 10 lakh per annum was being spent by each of the three universities for maintaining the PVCs, the release said.
It added that following the abolition of the PVC’s post, the present incumbents would stand relieved and they would not be allowed to complete their terms as per the terms and conditions of their appointment.
The Cabinet also approved a proposal to establish Chaudhary Devi Lal University at Sirsa by elevating Ch. Devi Lal Postgraduate Regional Centre, Sirsa, to a full-fledged affiliating university.
The Cabinet also approved the rules of ex gratia policy of the state, framed under Article 309 of the Constitution. The rules of ex gratia policy would be known as the Haryana Compassionate Assistance to the Dependents of Deceased Government Employees Rules, 2003, and would come into force with immediate effect.
The Cabinet also decided to institute a series of awards in memory of Kalpana Chawla. It was decided to institute a cash award of Rs 25,000 and a gold medal for the topper among girl students in the matriculation examination conducted by the Haryana School Education Board. It was also decided to offer scholarship of Rs 2000 each per month to those girl students who would obtain first five positions in the combined entrance examination of engineering colleges in the state. The Cabinet also decided to name the Government Polytechnic Institute, Ambala, after Kalpana Chawla.
It also urged the Centre to set up a medical college at Karnal and a planetarium at Kurukshetra in Kalpana Chawla’s memory. Members of Cabinet also observed two minutes’ silence to mourn the astronaut’s death.
The Cabinet also approved Haryana Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2003 regulating the procedure to prohibit the giving
or
taking of dowry. The Cabinet also approved an amendment in the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, for appointing Gram Vikas Sahayaks for each panchayat.
The sahayaks will assist the panchayat in maintaining record and will also act as a link between panchayat and the government.
The Cabinet also decided to transfer the general superintendence and control of the Fish Market, Faridabad, Yamunanagar and Panipat to the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board as the HSAMB had experience, infrastructure and resources for marketing.
