HRD Ministry Accepts Resignation of Allahabad University VC Ratan Lal Hangloo

The resignation of Allahabad University Vice Chancellor Ratan Lal Hangloo has been accepted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). Hangloo, who was under the scanner over alleged financial and administrative irregularities, had tendered his resignation on Wednesday.

"His resignation was sent by the HRD Ministry to Rashtrapati Bhawan and it has been approved," officials told PTI.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hangloo issued a statement and said he was being hounded and hence resigned under pressure.

"It is correct that I have resigned. The reason was that, repeatedly, baseless enquiries were initiated against me. On several occasions, it was proved that there was no substance in the complaints. I resigned because I was totally fed up," he said in the statement.

He was under the scanner since 2016 over irregularities and several complaints had been filed in the past. He was also summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) last week over allegations of improper handling of sexual harassment complaints and lack of grievance redressal mechanism for female students.

Hangloo claimed that he has always performed his duties in an honest manner and stood up to pressure and interference.

Moreover, he alleged the active presence of ‘mafia’ in the university. "There are appointments of 1,200 people to be made. If I was there, I would go on a merit basis. I will not go by mere recommendation. I will not take orders from the mafia," he added.