September 7th 2023.
A city-based lawyer, Naseer Jahagirdar, has filed a complaint against University of Mumbai Pro-Vice Chancellor Ajay Bhamare for allegedly being “gainfully employed” while serving on the state payroll. According to the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules, 1979, government servants are prohibited from engaging in private business without a previous sanction of the government.
The complaint was lodged with MU VC Ravindra Kulkarni on August 3, but there has yet to be a response. Jahagirdar claims that Bhamare has served as one of the directors of Pune-based construction firm Varsity Industrial Parks LLP since the company was formed in November 2020. He provided records from the Registrar of Companies under the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Bhamare denies the allegations, stating that he obtained a NOC (no objection certificate) from the employer and retired from the LLP before his appointment as Pro-VC. He clarifies that he is not a partner of the said LLP. Jahagirdar argues that even if this is true, Bhamare's business engagement while being a principal and acting Pro-VC was inappropriate. He believes that the university should investigate the matter and clarify whether or not Bhamare was gainfully employed.
Bhamare was appointed MU Pro-VC in June this year. He had been the principal of Ramanand Arya DAV College in Bhandup and was appointed acting Pro-VC for a few months before getting the full-time appointment. Jahagirdar has expressed concern over the university's lack of response and their commitment to transparency and accountability. Five months on, there is still no clarity on the issue.
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