TERI scripting 'fresh chapter', says Ashok Chawla

TERI is scripting a “fresh chapter” with a new architecture for effective functioning in place, its Chairman Ashok Chawla has said as he asserted that things, which attracted adverse attention are in the past.

Chawla took over the chairmanship in February amid the institute finding itself under clouds of uncertainty over sexual harassment allegations against former chief R K Pachauri who is no more associated with TERI.

Emphasising that things, which “attracted adverse attention in the recent past are in the past”, Chawla said there has been “very good progress” in steering the institute away from the earlier period of stress.

“New architecture for more effective functioning and more disciplined behaviour is being put in place. There is a clear appreciation that TERI is the same Teri but with a new kind of vigour and new drive... It is genuinely a fresh chapter (for the institute),” Chawla told PTI in an interview.

Established more than four decades ago, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a not-for-profit entity focused on energy, environment, and sustainable development.

In the wake of the allegations against the then Director General R K Pachauri, Ajay Mathur replaced him while Chawla took over the reins as Chairman in February.

Soon after, an ex-employee of TERI was brought in to reach out to everybody within the organisation and understand their issues.

Based on this person’s report, submitted two months ago, the institute has taken up initiatives to introduce changes in the functioning and governance architecture of TERI. “There is a new sort of paradigm on HR policy which is being worked out. There is a new disciplinary code,” he said.

The communication to the professionals within the organisation, to the external stakeholders and to those who patronise TERI through their research projects and other things has happened very clearly and effectively, Chawla added.

TERI has more than 1,200 employees drawn from diverse fields including engineering, economics and biotechnology.

When asked whether the institute’s image was hit in the wake of the Pachauri episode, Chawla said: “TERI’s image did take a little bit of adverse beating but fortunately and for good reasons it was very short-lived.”

On whether Pachauri continues to be associated with the institute, Chawla replied in the negative. “Look as far as I know the governing council asked him to go... He (Pachauri) made a statement that he is quitting but we never got any such letter. Be that as it may. It does not matter.

“In the governing council, his tenure was ending and the governing council thought it proper to sever the relation with him. That is where the matter stands. He has nothing to do with TERI now,” Chawla noted.

TERI’s annual governing meeting is scheduled in August.