Just a day after confronting Nagpur University vice-chancellor S N Pathan over introduction of new courses, the dean of university's social
sciences faculty Dnyaneshwar Kadhao was suspended by his parent college. Ironically, the Bhandara-based JM Patel College of Arts, Commerce and Science cited Kadhao's long absence from duty as reason for his suspension, a charge that Pathan has often faced.
Insiders believe college's action against Kadhao, who has taught for 18 years there, a result of murky politics in university circles. Principal VP Dhomne charged Kadhao with absenteeism and tampering of students' attendance record. Though Pathan could not be contacted as he had left for his hometown Pune, registrar Subhash Belsare confirmed the development. He however refused to comment on whether Kadhao will be removed as dean of faculty also. Kadhao was also not available for comments.
The college run by Gondia Education Society had served a show cause notice to Kadhao on November 12 asking him to file a reply within eight days. The charges against him include not signing college muster, non-engagement of history classes, besides long absence and tampering with students' attendance records. The notice mentioned that college's Local Management Committee (LMC) had framed these charges based on records. Kadhao had joined the college on probation on May 5, 1991.
In a letter dispatched to university administration, the copy of which is with TOI, Dhomne told the authorities to keep Kadhao away from important meetings as he was under suspension. Kadhao has also been directed to report to the college at 11.30 am daily, inform the principal and sign the muster. He has been warned against going outside the college premises without prior permission. He will be given half his salary on fulfilling these conditions.
Kadhao who rose to the prestigious dean's position in 2006 was known to be strict follower of rules and regulations in the university circles, and insiders claimed this had led to his ouster. He was known for taking on top bosses, especially in the matters related to mass communication subject. He had openly protested step-motherly treatment to mass communication during an exclusive interview to TOI published in November 11. He along with YCMOU VC Sudhir Gavhane, who was one of the members on board of studies (BoS), had predicted doom for the subject due to mismanagement by the administration.
On Thursday, in a meeting of social sciences faculty, Kadhao again opposed permission to a private college for new courses without necessary infrastructure and facilities. A majority of members supported him. However, Pathan allegedly pressured Kadhao to pass the proposal of the college. This led to a lot of arguments between Kadhao and Pathan. A majority of members supported the dean and shot down the proposal. A furious VC allegedly threatened to transfer all powers unto himself. He then constituted a three-member panel to probe the matter even after dean's ruling. Moreover, the panel members including Anil Dhage and Anil Kale have no experience in the mass communication field, insiders disclosed.