Kakinada: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTU-K) vice chancellor G.V.R. Prasad Raju is cracking the whip against those who are not performing their duties properly in the university.
Committees are promptly examining any charges against faculty or non-teaching staff and action is being taken against them without any delay. In sexual harassment cases, the erring employee is being suspended or terminated from services if any proof is submitted by the victim.
Previously, when such allegations came to light, a committee used to be appointed. Based on its report, a small punishment used to be given to the erring employee or a compromise brought about between the two parties.
There is no such choice since Prasad Raju has taken over as VC. Errant employees are being immediately suspended if they are regular employees and subsequently shifted to other places. However, outsourcing or contract employees are being immediately terminated from services.
Four employees have been punished recently. Two regular staff faced allegations of sexual harassment. They were suspended and later transferred to University College of Engineering, Narsaraopet. One outsourcing employee and one contract lecturer were terminated from services on charges of sexual harassment.
Prasada Raju has directed permanent and contract faculty members to attend duty by 9 a.m. Even directors or those holding other posts are taking classes for students for the prescribed number of hours. The VC is frequently visiting various departments and taking immediate action if faculty members are found missing. JNTU-K issued memos to five faculty members who had not been present at the college when Prasada Raju inspected it.
The VC told this reporter that Government of Andhra Pradesh is keen on improving the quality of education. At the same time, he wants to ensure discipline among employees. He said that serious steps are being taken against employees involved in sexual harassment cases.
Prasada Raju said a Face Recognition System of attendance will be introduced by January 2023. Every employee including teaching and non-teaching staff should be at the college to register their attendance on time.
