On Thursday February 18, Irani decided to give Vice Chancellors of central university a sample of her venom when she played an irate headmistress at a meeting of 42 VCs. Reports in several newspapers including Hindustan Times mention the intemperate behaviour of the HRD minister on a few counts. She accused the senior academicians of not "performing up to the mark' and for failing to set their "house in order.'

The HT report states: "Irani asked them to perform better and scolded them for not responding to the queries sent by the ministry regarding appointment of ombudsman."


In her speech the HRD minister chastised the senior academicians and asked them why they continued to remain in their cocoons. While admonishing them, she reminded them that they were at "the mercy of tax payers' money."


Making the charges without giving any of those targeted and opportunity to present a defence is grossly unfair. Irani's behaviour reflects the top-down culture that is embedded in this government.


The 'boss' comes and admonishes those sitting front '" remember the Modi picture that went viral that portrayed one party leader after another standing up like school students to introduce themselves -- while those getting the sock do not have an opportunity to even raise hands to defend their visage. Read more