By In a significant development, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has initiated an investigation into the substantial variable pay of Rs 3.2 crore awarded to Dheeraj Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak. This scrutiny comes in the wake of a series of complaints forwarded by President Droupadi Murmu, who is also the Visitor for all Indian Institutes of Management.
*MoE Flags Financial Irregularities**
The MoE’s Internal Audit Wing (IAW) has been directed to probe several complaints concerning IIM Rohtak’s financial management. Among these complaints are issues related to the variable pay given to the director, discrepancies in the issuance of mobile phones to faculty members, and other alleged financial irregularities. The complaints were forwarded to the Ministry on October 6, 2023, and the IAW report was submitted in January 2024.
#### **Presidential Concerns Lead to Government Action**
The President’s office highlighted these issues to the Ministry of Education, which subsequently acted to address the concerns. The IAW’s findings, which focus on the irregular variable pay and governance practices at IIM Rohtak, have raised serious questions about the institute’s financial management and adherence to regulatory norms.
#### **Director Dheeraj Sharma’s Qualifications Under Scrutiny**
Dheeraj Sharma, who began his term as the Director of IIM Rohtak in 2017, is currently under scrutiny not only for the financial irregularities but also for allegedly misrepresenting his educational qualifications during his appointment process. These allegations have intensified the scrutiny on Sharma and the institute’s administrative practices.
Controversial Variable Pay Draws Attention**
The Rs 3.2 crore variable pay awarded to Sharma over the years has attracted significant attention. The MoE’s investigation into this matter questions whether the payment adhered to the standard compensation guidelines for directors of prestigious institutes like IIM Rohtak. The audit has flagged this as a key issue, potentially reflecting broader governance and financial management problems.
#### **Impact on IIM Rohtak’s Reputation**
The ongoing investigation could have profound implications for IIM Rohtak, affecting its reputation and operational integrity. As one of the leading management institutes in India, any allegations of financial mismanagement or governance lapses could undermine its credibility and affect its relationships with stakeholders.
#### **Next Steps in the Investigation**
The Ministry of Education is expected to take further actions based on the IAW’s findings. This may include reforms in leadership, financial practices, and overall governance at IIM Rohtak. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining how the institute addresses these issues and restores its standing.
* The probe into IIM Rohtak’s financial practices and Director Dheeraj Sharma’s qualifications underscores the need for transparency and accountability in educational institutions. As the Ministry of Education continues its investigation, the focus will be on ensuring that governance standards are upheld and that any discrepancies are addressed effectively
