Port Blair, Jan. 13: In a press conference held today, Mr. M.A. Sajid, President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), brought to light serious allegations against Dr. Hemant Kumar Sharma, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), the largest educational institution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. Sajid claimed that Dr. Sharma has been absent from college for the past 20 to 25 days, raising concerns about his attendance and the administrative practices in the institution. “Despite his prolonged absence, the principal’s attendance is being marked, and he continues to sign files from home,” Sajid alleged.
He further questioned the accountability of the administration, stating, “The college is equipped with CCTV cameras. It should be investigated whether Dr. Sharma entered the college gate or used his office during this period.” Sajid urged the administration to verify if the principal had availed any medical or earned leave and called for a probe into the matter.
The NSUI president highlighted the disparity in the application of rules, saying, “Guest faculty and students face strict attendance regulations. If a guest faculty member is absent for even a day, their pay is deducted. Similarly, students with less than 75% attendance are not allowed to appear in exams.” He criticized the apparent leniency for the principal, who holds a key position in the institution.
Mr. Sajid demanded that if Dr. Sharma had not taken proper leave, immediate disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, should be taken. He also called for an inquiry into the administrative staff responsible for marking the principal’s attendance during his absence. “This is a matter of accountability and fairness,” Mr. Sajid concluded.
