AYODHYA: Allegations of irregular appointments, financial misuse, and procedural violations at an agricultural university in eastern Uttar Pradesh have prompted the State government to order an independent administrative inquiry, placing the institution’s leadership and governance practices under scrutiny.
A Complaint That Triggered State Action
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a formal investigation into alleged irregularities at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, following a detailed complaint submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office. The inquiry, officials said, has been entrusted to the Divisional Commissioner of Ayodhya, who has been asked to conduct a neutral and transparent examination of the allegations and submit findings for further action.
The complaint was filed by Brijesh Mishra, an RTI activist from Deoria district, who alleged large-scale administrative and financial misconduct within the university. The State’s decision to intervene reflects the seriousness of the claims, which range from irregular appointments to alleged losses to the public exchequer.
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According to official communication, the inquiry will examine both personnel decisions and financial transactions carried out over recent years, focusing on whether statutory rules, reservation norms, and government procedures were followed.
Allegations of Appointments and Seniority Violations
At the center of the complaint are allegations that seniority norms and eligibility criteria were bypassed in key academic and administrative appointments. The complaint alleges that Dr. Sanjeet Kumar Singh was appointed directly as a professor despite allegedly incomplete documentation, while senior faculty members were overlooked.
It further claims that Dr. D.K. Singh, previously holding the position of associate professor at Azamgarh College, was brought into the university and granted a significant post, despite being comparatively junior. The complaint also questions the appointment of Dr. Ram Baduk Singh as Director of Extension and raises concerns about multiple roles assigned to Dr. Vinod Singh, including that of security in-charge.
Collectively, the allegations suggest a pattern in which preferred officials and teachers were elevated to influential positions, potentially in violation of University Grants Commission guidelines and State government norms.
Financial Questions and Alleged Misuse of Funds
Beyond appointments, the complaint raises questions about the use of public funds. Among the allegations is the expenditure of several crores of rupees on the inauguration of Baldaau Vatika on February 13, 2025, an event attended by the Governor. The complainant has asked whether such spending was proportionate and compliant with financial rules.
Additional claims relate to projects overseen by former Director (Administration and Examination) Dr. A.K. Singh, in which an alleged loss of ₹2.23 crore to the State exchequer is cited, with the complaint alleging the involvement of the Vice-Chancellor.
The complaint also links financial irregularities to personal assets, alleging that fixed deposits of ₹50 lakh each were created in the name of the Vice-Chancellor’s wife at a Punjab National Bank branch located on the university campus, and that land purchases in Banaras were connected to misuse of funds. These claims form a significant part of the financial scrutiny now before the inquiry officer.
Governance, Influence, and the Scope of the Inquiry
The complaint names Dr. Vijendra Singh, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, alleging that appointments were influenced through intermediaries, including personal secretary Dr. Jaswant Singh, and that money was allegedly exchanged for postings. It also alleges that large-scale appointments were made in violation of reservation policies and that adjustments to posts such as assistant professor, associate professor, and professor were carried out contrary to established rules.
In response to these allegations, Vinod Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary in the State government, directed that an impartial inquiry be conducted. Officials have said that no conclusions have been drawn at this stage and that further action will depend on the findings submitted by the Divisional Commissioner.
