Clarification by Ministry of Human Resource Development about removal of Dr. M. S. Chauhan as Chairman of Nittr-Bhopal
	17:7 IST

Dr. Mahendra Singh Chauhan, who was the Chairman of NITTR-Bhopal from 2nd July 2004 had to be removed from the post before the expiry of his term, on account of various serious charges of irregularities and misuse of office. The Ministry of Human Resource Development was forced to take this unfortunate step in view of the magnitude of these irregularities and misuse of office. The Department of Higher Education received a complaint from Faculty and Staff of NITTTR, Bhopal against Dr. Chauhan on 13th March 2008. This complaint was also forwarded by the Central Vigilance Commission to the Department of Higher Education and was received by CVO, NITTTR through Vigilance Division of Ministry of HRD on 9th April 2008 for comments. One of the charges against Dr. Chauhan is that he took an advance of Rs. 3.65 lakhs between 2007-09 for his tours and travels. On verification, it has been found that indeed, Dr. Chauhan had taken a total advance of R.3.65 lakhs during the above period, which has still not been settled. Out of the above advance, no vouchers in respect of travel (Air/Train/Taxi) and hotels for an amount of Rs. 91,675/- have been submitted for settlement. Even out of the vouchers submitted for the settlement of the tour advance, many relate to visits and tours which could not have been for official purposes. Dr. Chauhan has not held any meeting of the Board of Governors of NITTTR, Bhopal since the last meeting held on 18.05.2007. In view of the above irregularities committed by Dr. Chauhan as elaborated above, the Ministry thought that his removal would be in the best interest of the organization. ------------------------ KKP/ska