Jamia suspends teacher for funds 'misappropriation,' teacher denies charge
Sep 06, 2023
New Delhi [India], September 6 : Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has said it has suspended a physical education teacher for "misappropriation" of funds raised by the students of the school for earthquake-affected people of Turkey without prior permission.
Middle School Physical Education teacher, Haris ul Haq, has denied these allegations and said proper procedure was not followed while suspending him. Haq is a teacher at Jamia Middle School of Jamia Millia Islamia.
In a statement, the university said that the fundraising event was done without approval or prior permission of the competent authority in violation of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.
A police complaint dated July 31 was filed against Haris ul Haq by the university at Jamia Nagar Police Station for cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation. The university in the complaint alleged that Haris ul Haq siphoned off Rs 1.40 lakh in the garb of collecting money by misrepresenting for affected people of Turkey's Earthquake.
The university also alleged that the money was collected by deceiving the students under a false pretext and the entire money had been siphoned off for personal gains.
However, the teacher has refuted these allegations.
"Some students came to me, saying they wished to help the people of Turkey which was reeling under the earthquake. So I arranged this fundraiser. I even wrote to the VC (Najma Akhtar) that so much fund has been collected. I have proper receipts from the Turkey Embassy," he claimed.
He also alleged that proper steps were not followed during his suspension.
"The Executive Council during a meeting said that there should be a disciplinary action but they did not order suspension. However VC Najma Akhtar went ahead with suspension," he alleged.
The matter was placed before the Executive Council (EC) of the university in its meeting held on August 4.
The EC has resolved that disciplinary action may be initiated against Haris ul Haq as per the rules, the release stated. It has further asked the University to take appropriate action for recovery of money or funds and pursue criminal complaints as per provisions of law.
It is also stated that there have been several complaints of misbehaviour, negligent attitude towards duty and insubordination against Haris ul Haq. He was earlier suspended in 2010 for misconduct, the press release stated.
