The audio clip of a professor from a private college in Aruppukottai luring students to do "favours" for education officials in return to do well "academically" and "financially" is going viral. The College clarified that the professor had been suspended and an inquiry has been launched, however, the shocking clip has raised questions about the occurrence of soliciting on campus.
While the professor, Nirmala Devi, a faculty member of Mathematics Department from Devanga Arts College, agrees that it is her voice on the clip she says that her words had been misconstrued. In the clip, she can be heard speaking to four students, asking them if they will consider doing a "big assignment". She says that doing so would help them get financial and academic support.
Here is the chilling transcript of the conversation-
1. I'm someone who knows everyone's secrets. So far we have shared a teacher-student relationship, now we have the chance to take it to the next level.
2.I have always supported you with regard to academics, now there is a big opportunity but it is something that we have to do in secret. If you do this, things on the academic front will change drastially for you without any difficulty. That is how high the officials involved in this assignment are.
3. What you have to do is complete "something" for them successfully. I can't go into more details but I trust you'll be able to understand. They've been requesting me for a very long time to do this.
4.If this gets out, it'll reflect badly on you. They've given me strong assurance. That's why I'm giving you this opportunity.
5.There is also financial support, more than you can imagine. It is your wish to tell your parents or not, depending on that we can discuss the amount. We will create a bank account and send you the money.
6. You can also pursue distance education or go to evening college, we will help you get into proper research and study. And you will also get a monthly salary. It is not necessary that you do any work.
7.( The students respond by saying they are hoping to get government jobs) Even to get the VC's post, you need influence. So when it comes to TNPSC exams you need influence as well.
8. If you don't like it, you don't have to do it but it's better if you think about it for two days before deciding. Such opportunities don't come easily.
9. There is big assignment coming next week and it involves a very high official. I can't name them but he is a very big official.
10. If you notice a recent video of mine with the 'governor', you can see that I've taken the video from such close quarters. Just by looking at that, you'll know how much influence I have.
The clip has sent shockwaves across not just the academic world but the State in general. University officials claim that the issue is an attempt to malign the name of the institute, "This comes in the backdrop of the university constituting an inquiry committee at the level of syndicate sub-committee last month based on the complaints against the college management over misappropriation of UGC funds. The university will lodge a complaint against the college with the SP,” the Vice Chancellor, P P Chellathurai said.
