Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosiah today suspended Annamalai University Vice-Chancellor M Ramanathan following allegations of financial and other irregularities.
In his order, the Governor said a government-appointed Special Audit Team found "financial irregularities, including diversion of funds running to several crore of rupees and misappropriation of funds".
The university's Senate and Syndicate, to whom the audit report was forwarded, have admitted there have been lapses like diversion of university funds to a hospital,appropriation of Provident Fund and Contributory Pension Fund, on-remittance of pension contribution, lapse in collecting dues,appointments made in excess and excessive fixation of salary, he said.
Such lapses have occurred on account of maladministration and lack of proper control over functioning and as Principal Executive Officer, the VC was responsible for proper functioning of the university.
"It has become necessary to investigate into the matter in detail from all angles and in particular with respect to the working of the institution, persons responsible for the maladministration, persons responsible for the financial irregularities and the role played by you as the Vice-Chancellor/Principal Executive Officer."
The Governor said Ramanathan has been suspended with immediate effect, pending investigations are on and the suspension will remain until further orders.
The government had recently appointed senior IAS officer Shivdas Meena as Administrator of the Chidambaram-based University.
