Date:10/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/10/stories/2003021001410800.htm

National

Acting VC for Kumaon University

DEHRA DUN FEB. 9. O.P. Singh has been appointed acting Vice-Chancellor of Kumaon University in place of B.S. Rajput, who resigned last week after being indicted by an inquiry committee for plagiarising a science paper published in Stanford University, a top official said today.

The Governor, Sudershan Agarwal, who is also the Chancellor of the university, has issued a notification to this effect.

Prof. Rajput tendered his resignation on last week 6 after he was indicted by an inquiry committee for plagiarising a science paper on black holes.

The issue had generated controversy after several Nobel Laureates wrote to the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, last year calling for stern action against Prof. Rajput.

Prof. Singh, head of the Geography Department, would continue to hold the post of VC till a committee, being set up by the Governor, recommends a new candidate.