Odisha’s VSSUT Compulsorily Retires Associate Professor For ‘Breach Of Discipline’

Sambalpur: The authorities of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Odisha’s Sambalpur district have ordered for compulsory retirement of an associate professor for ‘breach of discipline’.

The action against Sasmita Kumari Padhy, associate professor of computer application department, followed the recommendation of University Board of Management, which met on September 30.

“An inquiry committee was formed to probe allegations of indiscipline against the associate professor. The inquiry report was put before the Board of Management during a meeting on September 30. Based on the report, the Board decided to take disciplinary action against her,” vice-chancellor Banshidhar Majhi informed, adding that the order has been served to her.

In August 2019, Padhy along with a colleague and seven more teachers was suspended on various charges, included preventing classes, evaluation of papers, instigating and provoking faculty members to stage protests. She was also accused of ignoring repeated reminders from VSSUT for flouting the institutional guidelines by posting against the varsity on public platforms, sources said.

The associate professor, however, termed the disciplinary action as an act of revenge. “These allegations are baseless. I had sought the university authorities regarding academic regulations and even moved the HC in this regard,” she told mediapersons.