Ranchi University allows ‘ineligible’ Nirmala College Principal to continue

SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA

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Ranchi, Dec 24: Thanks to Ranchi University’s inaction, a principal deemed ineligible in an official inquiry report has continued to hold her position for an extended period.

The principal in question is Sister Jyoti Kispotta, who was appointed as the principal of Nirmala College on May 29, 2014, a day after the death of the former principal, Sister Priscilla.

For years, there were no complaints against her, and neither the university nor the Higher and Technical Education Department scrutinised the legality of her appointment. At the time of her promotion, Sister Jyoti was working as an assistant professor of geography at the college.

NSUI complaint on October 28, 2023

The issue came to light only on October 28, 2023, when NSUI Secretary Rohit Pandey filed a formal complaint with the Governor-cum-Chancellor. In his memorandum, Pandey detailed how Sister Jyoti’s appointment as principal violated the guidelines of the Jharkhand State Universities Act.

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Nirmala College, Ranchi, affiliated to Ranchi University, is a Christian Minority Institution founded by the Society of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary. The Society exercises its responsibility over Nirmala College through a Governing Body.

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According to the Act, candidates for the principal’s post must have at least 10 years of teaching experience as a lecturer or assistant professor. However, Pandey noted that Sister Jyoti had been appointed as an assistant professor on December 1, 2007, based on her PhD, which she earned on October 5, 2007. By May 29, 2014, when she became principal, she had only six and a half years of teaching experience—falling short of the required 10 years.

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Additionally, Pandey highlighted procedural lapses in her appointment. He alleged that the position of principal was neither advertised nor was an interview conducted, as mandated by the University Act.

Pandey also raised questions about the approval granted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Ranchi University for Sister Jyoti’s appointment. He criticised the Higher and Technical Education Department for issuing a notification that placed her in the professor’s salary scale (Level 14), despite her not even holding the rank of associate professor at the time.

A notification issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department on December 15, 2022, notes that Sister Jyoti earned her PhD on October 5, 2007. Despite this, she was promoted to Level 14, bypassing the required qualifications and procedures.

Governor’s office referred complaint to RU

In response to the complaint, the Governor’s office referred the matter to Ranchi University, instructing it to conduct an inquiry and take appropriate legal action.

RU finds Sister Jyoti ineligible

When contacted, Ranchi University Registrar Binod Narayan confirmed that the inquiry report had been submitted to the Governor’s office about two months ago, and the university was awaiting further instructions. He stated that the investigation found Sister Jyoti’s appointment to be illegal. “She lacked the mandatory 10 years of teaching experience and was appointed without following the proper recruitment process,” he said.

Meanwhile, an official from the Governor’s office said they would review the issue but clarified that the university has the authority to take action if the principal is found ineligible.

Sister Jyoti defends appointment

Sister Jyoti, however, defended her appointment, stating that she had answered all queries raised by the university. She claimed to have been teaching at the college since 2004, with her services being confirmed in 2007. “She has not received any communique from the university thereafter,” Sr Jyoti said.

The situation raises questions about administrative oversight and accountability in higher education institutions.