A person who is heading a department, academic or otherwise, has
restrictions imposed on him. He may not be able to satisfy unreasonable demands
even from a close colleague, especially when the colleague is arbitrary or
irrational in his approach. I am one among those who believe that an
administrator, whether one likes it or not, has to follow the rules to the
extent possible. Some politicians or certain administrators, follow rules
convenient to them but ignore others. For them, it is a matter of convenience
rather than obedience. Like punctuality, it is my principle to strictly follow
the rules when it is to be followed, particularly related to financial matters.
Naturally I encourage my colleagues to
follow the rules and do expect them to follow suit.
As Dean in NITC, I had tried my best to follow the rules. This was not
to the liking of a colleague of mine. He was a member of the Board for PG
Studies representing EE department to
which I belonged and in the meeting of BPGS, he used to speak continuously on
certain matters without allowing other matters on the agenda to be taken up. One example was the
rules for the renewal of scholarships for MTech students. All MTech students
except those who are sponsored by other institutions were eligible for a
monthly scholarship from the first semester onwards. However, for renewal of
the scholarship for second semester onwards one of the conditions stipulated
was that the student should get a Grade point average of at least 6.5/10,
equivalent to a first class in grade system. This colleague of mine brought me
two cases of students who got a GPA of 6.2 and 6.4 and wanted their
scholarships to be renewed. I said as the institute is awarding GPA correct to
two decimals, I am helpless, as per the rules for the renewal of the
scholarship issued by the government. He was not satisfied and was pestering me
again and again. I said I have no objection if the student represents his case
to the Director and Director sanctions this using his discretionary powers (if
he has any on this matter). But he did not do that and was telling the students
I am inhuman and he wants to do good but I am in the way. In a few meetings of
the BPGS after that, he was raising this issue again and again and then I got
annoyed. As Chairman of the BPGS, politely I asked him to allow me to conduct
the proceedings ignoring his repeated request for discussion on this issue. When
he did not stop eve after this, I had to talk to him a bit sternly. Then he
walked out of the meeting and went to the Director telling that I have sent him
out of the BPGS meeting. As the Director knew the person and me very well, he
did not bother.
This gentleman was considering me as his enemy and once or twice he
insulted me in front of the MTech students of our department telling that I am
cruel and have no sympathy for students. After a few days, he was admitted in a
hospital in the city after a scooter accident. When myself and my wife went to
see him in the hospital, he shouted at me and asked his friends to send me out
as he did not want to see me. My wife was really taken aback at his rude behaviour
and was asking me why he is behaving like that. I told her , may be because, he
is under sedation due to the pain killer given to him due to the accident.
I do not know whether anyone in an
administrative post will take chances on financial matters unless he has
discretionary powers. All administrators dealing with money are careful as
auditors may find fault with them if things are not done asper rules. As Dean,
I did not have any discretionary powers on financial matters and hence could
not overlook the rules to satisfy irrational demands , even if it appears to be
humane.
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