The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali has been at the center of controversy regarding allegations of misconduct and career suppression involving senior faculty members. Among those implicated is Dr. Saranjit Singh, former Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Dean at NIPER Mohali. The allegations have raised concerns about academic integrity and governance at the institution.
Dr. Saranjit Singh has been named in CBI FIR No. RCCHG2016A0005, dated January 14, 2016. The charges against him include criminal conspiracy (Section 120-B IPC), cheating (Section 420 IPC), criminal breach of trust (Section 409 IPC), forgery (Section 467 IPC), using forged documents as genuine (Section 471 IPC), and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The case remains under trial at the CBI Court in Mohali.
As per the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Manual, government employees facing such charges are subject to suspension pending the resolution of disciplinary proceedings. However, despite the severity of the accusations, Dr. Singh was appointed Acting Director multiple times under the administration of Dr. S.J.S. Flora.
During Dr. Singh’s tenure, the retirement age for faculty members was increased from 60 to 65 years. Faculty members who reached the age of 60 were issued termination notices, compelling them to seek legal recourse at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, Dr. Singh was reportedly exempt from such orders, raising questions about preferential treatment.
Dr. Animesh Roy, a scientist at NIPER Mohali, has alleged that his career was sabotaged by senior faculty, particularly Dr. U. C. Banerjee. Dr. Roy claims that Dr. Banerjee appropriated his research work without due credit. Despite raising concerns, no action was taken against Dr. Banerjee, as the matter was under the purview of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Dr. Roy was expelled from NIPER Mohali for nearly five years before being reinstated by the Board of Governors. During the review process, Dr. Saranjit Singh made statements that suggested a bias against Dr. Roy. In a deposition before the Review Committee, Dr. Singh allegedly stated that Dr. Roy’s academic performance was irrelevant once the decision to terminate him had been made. He also expressed strong opposition to Dr. Roy’s reinstatement at NIPER Mohali, even threatening to resign along with other senior faculty members if Dr. Roy were allowed to return.
These remarks, documented in the Ombudsman’s report (Page 56), indicate a concerted effort to undermine Dr. Roy’s career.
Concerns about irregularities in faculty appointments were raised by Kultar Singh Saini, one of the earliest employees of NIPER Mohali. In an email circulated during Dr. Raghuram Rao Akkinepally’s tenure, Mr. Saini detailed alleged misconduct by Dr. Saranjit Singh in recruitment processes during the early years of NIPER Mohali’s establishment.
Despite knowledge of the CBI investigation, senior officials in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, including Joint Secretary Mr. Rajneesh Tingal and Mr. Jitendra Trivedi, reportedly took no action against Dr. Singh. The CBI FIR also references unidentified officials from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, indicating potential collusion. Despite these allegations, Dr. Singh was permitted to retire without scrutiny and was even entrusted with leadership roles, including serving on a three-member committee overseeing NIPER Mohali in the absence of a director.
The case of Dr. Saranjit Singh and other senior faculty members at NIPER Mohali raises serious questions about institutional governance, ethical conduct, and accountability. The alleged career suppression of junior faculty members, irregular retirement policy enforcement, and lack of administrative intervention in ongoing investigations highlight systemic issues within the institution.
The outcome of the CBI case and potential further investigations will determine whether these concerns are addressed or remain unresolved, leaving a lasting impact on the academic and professional integrity of NIPER Mohali.
