JNU Dismisses Professor Bimol Akoijam Amid Sexual Harassment Claims
Jawaharlal Nehru University has terminated professor Bimol Akoijam following allegations of sexual harassment from 11 students.
Professor Bimol Akoijam was dismissed after an inquiry into harassment allegations.
The Internal Complaints Committee recommended a major penalty under civil service rules.
Allegations included inappropriate remarks and offers of grades for sexual favors.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has taken decisive action by dismissing professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from the Centre for the Study of Social Systems. This decision comes in light of serious allegations of sexual harassment made by 11 students against him. The dismissal was formalized through an order issued on Friday by the university's vice-chancellor, Santishree D Pandit, following a thorough inquiry process.
The inquiry was conducted by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which recommended a significant penalty against Akoijam under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules of 1965. The committee's report was submitted to the vice-chancellor on Friday afternoon, although it revealed internal disagreements regarding the severity of the penalty. While the presiding officer and other members supported a major penalty, student representatives preferred a lesser punishment, leading to a report that included dissenting opinions.
According to the provisions of the 1965 rules, penalties for misconduct are categorized as minor or major. Minor penalties can include censure and withholding of increments, whereas major penalties encompass actions such as compulsory retirement and dismissal from service. Dismissal typically disqualifies an individual from future government employment, a significant consequence of the committee's findings.
The allegations against Akoijam surfaced after a student recounted an inappropriate interaction during a viva examination in a WhatsApp group dedicated to students. Following this, other students came forward with similar experiences, detailing sexually suggestive remarks made during classes and vivas, inappropriate advances at social gatherings, and offers of higher grades in exchange for sexual favors. These revelations have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and conduct within the academic environment.
As of now, Professor Akoijam has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the university's decision, and there has been no immediate comment from the Congress party, of which he is a member. The case highlights ongoing issues related to sexual harassment in educational institutions and the importance of addressing such allegations promptly and effectively.
