Prayagraj: An alleged dispute over a ₹70,000 academic incentive for Vice-Chancellor Usha Tandon has brought financial administration at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, under scrutiny. Reports linking a finance controller’s removal to his objection to the payment have been followed by news that he was assigned the role again.
What Is the Incentive Dispute?
Bar & Bench, in an October 27 report citing Dainik Bhaskar’s September 8 coverage, said finance controller Siddharth S Tripathi was allegedly removed after refusing to approve the incentive. He reportedly maintained that the Vice-Chancellor was not entitled to it.
Tripathi declined to comment when approached by Bar & Bench. The alleged connection between his objection and removal remains unverified.
Also Read: ₹5,000 After 15 Years? Himachal HC Says Wife’s Maintenance Cannot Be “Illusory”
What Has the University Said?
University public relations officer Prakash Tripathi told Bar & Bench that the State government, rather than the Vice-Chancellor, held the power to appoint or remove the finance controller.
The publication also asked whether the Vice-Chancellor was receiving the incentive and what authorised the payment. Its report stated that a response to the emailed questions was awaited at publication.
Fresh Report Points to Tripathi’s Return
A separate Hindustan report, published later on October 27, stated that the Uttar Pradesh government had given Siddharth Shankar Tripathi additional charge as RPNLU’s finance controller.
According to Hindustan, an October 15 order replaced Ravindra Singh Arya and directed Tripathi, the finance officer at Prof Rajendra Singh University, to assume the additional responsibility. The assignment would carry no additional salary or allowance.
The report also described difficulties completing the handover. While sources claimed Tripathi had not been allowed to join, the university’s PRO said he had joined and signed the documents, but signatures from the outgoing officer remained pending. This had affected financial work, the PRO said.
The reported fresh appointment updates the position surrounding Tripathi’s role. Questions about the incentive’s authorisation and the circumstances of his earlier reported removal remain unresolved.
