Pondicherry Varsity VC occupying DU residence 3 yrs after retirement

New Delhi: Even after three years of his retirement from the Delhi University, Pondicherry University Vice Chancellor Gurmeet Singh continues to occupy the official accommodation allotted to him by his former employer with Rs 23 lakh pending in dues, according to official documents.

However, Singh claimed that initially, the delay to vacate the accommodation at the Delhi University (DU) North Campus was due to Covid-induced lockdowns, and then later due to incorrect calculation of dues by the varsity as well as paucity of time at his end. He also accused the varsity of treating him unfairly and holding Rs 50 lakh of his retirement funds.

The latest notice to Singh asking him to vacate the 'Type-5' bungalow at the Delhi University's North Campus' Cavalry Lines was sent by the varsity last week. The DU in its ninth notice to Singh since his retirement also said if the property is not vacated, actions such as "disconnection of electricity and water connection" to the bungalow would be taken. "Neither you have vacated the university accommodation nor you have cleared outstanding dues towards damage charges applicable at the rate of 50 times the normal license fees plus water charges.

Government of India rules don't permit stay after retirement beyond six months," said the DU notice to Singh. "On the contrary, you have overstayed for a period of over 2 years and 9 months without even paying the penal rent. This has been viewed seriously by the university authorities," it said. The DU claimed that the Pondicherry University vice chancellor owes it Rs 23.70 lakh in penal rent and water charges. A reputed expert in the fields of corrosion chemistry and nanofilm deposition, Singh had taken charge as Pondicherry University vice chancellor in 2017 and was granted an extension of one year in September last year. In addition, Singh is also the vice chancellor of the Gandhigram Rural Institute, a deemed-to-be university in Tamil Nadu. He retired from the Delhi University in October 2019 and was supposed to vacate the official accommodation by April 2020. Singh confirmed that he has an accommodation at the Pondicherry University too.