After a furore over him being elevated to the post of TERI’s Executive Vice Chairman despite facing allegations of sexual harassment, RK Pachauri has been directed to go on leave indefinitely. And even as this happened former Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla has been appointed as Chairman of the organisation.
Pachauri will be on leave from all 3 bodies – TERI, its Governing Council & University till further review by the Council, reported PTI.
According to reports, full executive powers will be given to Dr Ajay Mathur, who recently took over as the Director General of the organisation.
This move will result in Pachauri skipping TERI University’s convocation on March 7.
While battling allegations of multiple sexual harassment, Pachauri, the former Director General of TERI and Vice Chancellor of TERI University, was recently elevated to the newly created post of Executive Vice Chairman. This triggered severe criticism from the alumni and women activists across the country.
Pachauri’s decision to proceed on leave comes after a group of students refused to receive degrees from him.
“Yes, he is on leave. I can confirm this as his position as Chancellor of the TERI University. The convocation is on March 7. He (Pachauri) would not be attending it,” Rajiv Seth, acting VC of TERI varsity told PTI.
(With Inputs from PTI)
(Feature Image Source: Twitter)