Accusations and Allegations in Sikkim University during 2007-12

Uncanny one may feel but allegations and counter-allegations are part of one’s professional and survival politics. It is true at all levels – right from the boss at the top to the lowest rung support staff.  I have been the victim of several allegations in the last six years at Sikkim University. 

I joined Sikkim University as founding member in the third week of August 2007 after resigning from my job in New Delhi at the behest the founding Vice Chancellor. However, one of the strong reasons to return back was an opportunity to be part of an institution building process in a place located very near to my own home. 

Starting a new institution from its scratch is a formidable errand. The kinds of works that are needed to be initially performed were diverse in nature- from clerical to supervisory and programme related with little academic contents.   Therefore, it was not easy for me to endure newer challenges that I had never faced before. I, however, made an effort to enjoy every bit of the challenges of Sikkim University building process. I took every challenge as opportunity to learn further. Except finance department, I was involved in almost every sphere of the University building process. I was involved in the academics, administration, admission, publication and examinations. 

I was a true supporter of my boss - the founding Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University. I did only what my boss expected me to do. If my boss ordered me to use green colour instead of yellow -which I had in-fact wordlessly preferred- in a particular university brochure, I used to follow his order without uttering a word let alone arguing on the rational of his decision.  Even the font type and size were to be decided by the boss.  Neither there was time nor scope for us to argue.  We were moving very fast! ...organising programmes, media conferences, inviting bigwigs, printing hell lot of brochures, pamphlets and annual reports.

I, including many of my first generation colleagues, was so confident on the leadership and intelligence of our boss that we at times used to be at illusion that he himself was Sikkim University.  We respected him from the core of our heart and believed whatever he did was for our good and for the good of Sikkim.

I was one of the favourites of my boss long before I joined Sikkim University. That was the reason why he brought me to Sikkim University.  I assisted him for about a decade in numerous research projects which included Nathula Trade Report and State Development Report of Sikkim. Therefore, we understood each other much more than anyone else at Sikkim University.  Being a favourite of a boss has its own merit and demerit. Import merit is that you can influence your boss at the time of need and demerit is that you are most of the time burdened with work.

My unflinching support to my founding Vice Chancellor shook when he scolded me black and blue on the basis of a complaint against me by a newly joined permanent staff sometimes in October 2010. I was reminded that I was on contract and at the disposal of my boss. Therefore, it was clear that I could be kicked out of Sikkim University any time if he feels so.  I regretted my decision to join Sikkim University.

The background of the complaint was that I was upset and had spoken my mind against the decision of the Vice Chancellor to appoint management staff before appointing us in permanent positions who had been working in SU since many years as contractual staff. The newly joined gentleman was also part of the debate.  He immediately took advantage of the situation and complained against me with additional spices to the story. The gentleman, however, failed to understand that it was a healthy public debate on the decision of our boss and not a personal attack.

After a couple of other misunderstandings and unwanted events, I gradually started distancing away from my boss.  Sooner than later, he started assuming that I was working against him. Eventually, following important allegations were labelled against me:

Agent of the State

The first charge against me was that I regularly pass confidential documents and important information of Sikkim University to the State Government.  The accusation was made by no other than the founding vice chancellor himself and floated among selected officials of the University.  Till date I am unsure of the fact that to whom in the State did I actually passed critical information of Sikkim University.  I am still searching for the representative of the State Government that I had a deal with! I was also accused for assisting/promoting strike by the Students’ Union of Sikkim who gheraod Sikkim University administrative block during mid 2012.

Tribal Issue

The second accusation was in fact funny and had nothing to do with Sikkim University per se. I suddenly heard from one of my senior colleagues in early 2012 that honourable vice chancellor informed him that Vimal Khawas went to JNU and spread the rumour that he has taken admission in JNU under a tribal quota and not through merit.  I was amazed as well as amused to hear the news.  He completed his PhD from JNU almost a decade before I joined the institution for my Post Graduate, which means he is senior to me by almost two decades.  Why on earth will I talk about the nature of his admission in JNU? And what is the use of spreading such rumour after two decades of his completion of PhD and when he has already achieved so much?  God only knows the answer and he will punish me if I did it nevertheless!

Informer to the State Human Rights Commission

After the first academic recruitment of Sikkim University in early 2012, many teachers who were already working on contract for around three years were not selected for the permanent positions. Some of the teachers who were dissatisfied with the recruitment process filed case against University in the high court. Complaint was also registered in the State Human Rights Commission for violation of human rights. Eventually, State Human Rights Commission gave verdict in favour of the disgruntled teachers and suggested action against the founding vice chancellor. In the meetings that followed in the University, I was accused as one of the important informants to the Commission passing vital University information.

Puja in the temple and distribution of Prasad/sweets in the University

Finally, the most miserable of all accusations was that I was accused of spreading news among the university community that I would offer puja in the temple and distribute sweets in the university when the founding vice chancellor leaves university after completing his term.   The rumour was manufactured and floated by none other than the then second in command.

Besides, there are other lighter accusations that I do not want to highlight at this point. The fact, however, is that I did nothing of what I was accused of.  I can challenge any of the accusations, anywhere and anytime.  I had problems with the style of working of my former boss towards the end of his term but that does not mean I worked against him or Sikkim University.  

Such accusations were made against me only to humiliate and humble me because I had started to raise my voice when not satisfied with the decisions of the higher authorities.