IMPHAL, July 3: The Students`™ Union, Pettigrew College, Ukhrul has set July 15 as deadline for the government to replace the college principal in charge.
The student union has charged the prinicipal in charge identified as Dr Ninghorla Zimik of misappropriating funds meant for the development of the college.
Speaking to media persons at the Viewland office of the Ukhrul District Working Journalists Union office, general secretary of the student body AS Tuishang said the University grants Commission, North Eastern Regional Office, Guwahati had sanctioned Rs 40,50,000 as grant in aid during the XIIth Plan period for the college to procure equipments for the college on March 10, 2012.
He said according to the principal in charge, out of the total amount, Rs 16,75,000 have been used to upgrade the laboratory equipment, Rs 8,25,000 was used to procure a power back up facility, Rs 13,00,000 to procure several teaching aids and the remaining to buy certain items like computers and printers.
The students`™ union believed him and remained silent, however, last month on June 24, a combined team of the student union and the Tangkhul Katamnao Long conducted an inquiry and found that nothing worthwhile have been procured for the college with the fund, he charged.
He continued, not a single piece of equipment were found bought for the laboratory, or the electronic power back-up and the teaching aids, except for three lap-tops and three printers which were not working.
The items are lying unused in the college computer room, Tuishang a member of the TKS said at the press meet.
SUPC executive member Shanreipam Ningshen said Dr Zimik is neglecting her duties and is at most times out of station without caring for the college.
She said stays at most times in Imphal, Ningshen continued.
Considering all these, the student body is demanding the government to replace her, Ningshen said adding that in case the government fails to meet the demand, the student body will launch democratic forms of agitation which would include sealing of the college indefinitely.
Any eventuality should be the sole responsibility of the government, the student union continued.