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The Education Ministry has suspended the powers of the NIT Kurukshetra director and constituted a 3-member probe panel over alleged irregularities in recruitment and procurement.
The Education Ministry has withdrawn the powers of the NIT Kurukshetra Director, Professor BV Ramana Reddy. (File Photo)
In a strong move, the Education ministry in an order has constituted a three-member probe panel to review the affairs regarding the leadership, functioning and management at the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, as per sources in the ministry. This action was followed by the ministry withdrawing the powers of the Director, Professor BV Ramana Reddy. The Ministry issued the order to this effect, and the decision was implemented with immediate effect.
As per an official order issued by the ministry, CNN-News18 has learnt that a panel has been set up to ‘review the work, affairs and progress of NIT Kurukshetra’. According to the order issued by an Under Secretary to the Central Government, the Director will be unable to exercise any of his administrative or financial powers until further notice. Citing the powers vested under the NIT Act, 2007, the order explicitly states that these powers of the Director KK Reddy have been temporarily suspended. Earlier, he could take important decisions on his own—especially related to administration (running the institute) and finances (money matters). Now, he cannot take such decisions independently and will need approval from higher authorities.
Why Did This Happen?
Although the specific reason for the withdrawal of powers has not been disclosed, sources suggest that allegations of irregularities regarding procurement and recruitment within the NIT are at the root of the matter. Complaints regarding these issues were reportedly lodged by individuals associated with the NIT itself, serving as the basis for this disciplinary action. Many people complained that many new hires were from Telangana, which raised questions about whether the hiring process was fair and transparent.
Directives Issued to Chairperson and Registrar in the Order
In a notice issued by the Ministry of Education, Prof. Tejaswini Ananthakumar—Chairperson of the Board of Governors at NIT Kurukshetra—and the Acting Registrar, Dr. Brahmjit Singh, have been directed to ensure the strict compliance of this order. Although Prof. Reddy will continue to hold the position of Director; he will be barred from making any administrative decisions. Furthermore, he will not be authorised to sign any financial files.
Prof. B.V. Ramana Reddy assumed the office of Director at NIT Kurukshetra in February 2022. According to sources within NIT, massive recruitment drives—covering both teaching and non-teaching positions—were conducted subsequently. Allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding these very recruitments. According to a specific complaint, preferential treatment was accorded to individuals with connections to Telangana. Although there is a provision for constituting a committee to oversee recruitment, the ultimate authority in this matter rests with the Director. Furthermore, allegations have also been levelled regarding purchases made within the NIT without adhering to standard tender or quotation procedures.
Haryana’s only NIT in Kurukshetra, currently employs approximately 600 regular staff members, in addition to holding various temporary positions. This workforce comprises both teaching and non-teaching personnel. A significant number of recruitments have taken place over the last two to three years. It is being alleged that certain appointments were made without the existence of necessary or sanctioned posts. However, no official statement regarding this matter has been issued by the NIT administration thus far.
Professor Reddy Also Served As Director of NIT Uttarakhand
Prof. Reddy earned his bachelor’s degree from Andhra University in 1986, his master’s degree from IIT Roorkee in 1991, and his Ph.D. in ‘Electronics and Communication Engineering’ from Kurukshetra University in 1998.
Subsequently, over the course of his long career spanning more than 35 years, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of ‘Electronics and Communication Engineering’ at NIT Kurukshetra (1991–95). He also held the charge of Director at ‘NIT Uttarakhand’ for a period of six months.
March 31, 2026, 07:56 IST
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