Ashoka University Responds To Controversy Over PB Mehta's Resignation; Acknowledges 'Lapses' In Processes

Ashoka University was embroiled in controversy when PB Mehta, who had resigned as its vice-chancellor two years back, chose to step down as professor earlier this week.

New Delhi: Ashoka University has acknowledged the "lapses in institutional processes" and expressed "deep regret" over the resignations of political commentator Pratap Bhanu Mehta and noted economist Arvind Subramanian from its faculty.

The university was embroiled in controversy when PB Mehta, who had resigned as its vice-chancellor two years back, chose to step down as professor earlier this week.

Subramanian, the former chief economic advisor to the government, had also resigned from the university two days later in solidarity with Mehta.

"We acknowledge that there have been some lapses in institutional processes which we will work to rectify in consultation with all stakeholders. This will reaffirm our commitment to academic autonomy and freedom which have always been at the core of the Ashoka University ideals," the institution wrote in a statement.

"Ashoka has been privileged to have been led, guided, and counselled by Pratap first as Vice-Chancellor and then as senior faculty. Subramanian brought eminence, stature, fresh ideas and energy to the university and his exit leaves a void that will be hard to fill," it added.

The statement has been jointly issued by the university chancellor, vice-chancellor and the chairman of Board of Trustees, along with Mehta and Subramanian.

"Pratap and Arvind would like to emphasize that Ashoka University is one of the most important projects in Indian higher education. They are sad to be leaving Ashoka, especially its outstanding students and faculty. They continue to believe strongly that Ashoka University should embody a liberal vision and commitment to academic freedom and autonomy.

"And they remain lifelong friends and well-wishers of the institution and are committed to its success wherever they are," the statement said, adding that the two professors will remain "available for advice and consultation to the university in the future".

The students had called for a two-day boycott of classes from Monday in protest over the resignation. "We strongly condemn these resignations and the lack of transparency from the university about the same. It is unacceptable that we are learning about the exits from news reports and not the university itself," the students had said.

Meanwhile, Mehta urged them not to go on with it. "The poise and articulacy with which your defended important values and demanded accountability should make anyone want to associate with this university. You are its beating heart and soul and nothing can damage that," Mehta said in his letter addressed to the students.

(With Agency Inputs)