Disabled employee alleges harassment at Murthal varsity, writes to PM

Sonipat: A differently-abled employee of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, has written to the President, Prime Minister, Haryana Governor, chief minister, education minister and the State Disability Commission, alleging prolonged harassment, discrimination and mental agony by the university administration.The complainant, Anand Kumar, who is 70% disabled, has sought strict action against the officials concerned under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. A two-time recipient of the Haryana government's 'Outstanding Differently-Abled Employee' award, Kumar is also an 82-time blood donor.In his complaint, Kumar alleged that although he was appointed assistant registrar on March 30, 2018, and completed his probation in 2019, he was demoted in 2022 without being given an opportunity to present his case. He claimed that several juniors were subsequently promoted to higher posts, while he was made to work under them.Kumar said he had only sought relaxation in educational qualifications at the time of his promotion, noting that earlier service rules—before the institute became a university—allowed promotion based on matriculation and experience as a superintendent. He added that he completed his graduation in Oct 2025, meeting the existing eligibility criteria, but his promotion has not been restored.He also accused the administration of denying him permission to pursue an MA through distance education and demanded that he be allowed to continue higher studies, while action be taken against those allegedly blocking his career progression.Kumar further alleged that attempts were made to evict him from his allotted campus accommodation after his demotion. He claimed that other employees in the same pay level, including some retired staff, continue to occupy similar housing, while he is being selectively targeted.Highlighting personal distress, Kumar said the prolonged stress has taken a toll on his family, adding that his wife suffered a heart attack and now has only 20% heart function.He also alleged that he was shifted from the administrative block to the university library and assigned clerical work such as diary-dispatch and typing, despite holding the rank of superintendent, a gazetted second-class officer, for over two years.Kumar, who has served as president of the non-teaching employees' union DCRUEU, claimed he became a target after the union raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the university administration before the Haryana Governor and chancellor on August 21, 2024.Alleging sustained pressure to force him to resign, Kumar stated that if he or his family takes any extreme step, the responsibility would lie with the university administration and Vice-Chancellor Prof Shree Prakash Singh.When contacted, the Vice-Chancellor said he was unaware of the matter and declined to comment.