The Governing Council of TERI appointed former finance secretary Ashok Chawla as its new chairman and said RK Pachauri will be on leave.
“Dr. R.K. Pachauri, who had been at the Head of the Institute since 1982 will be on leave from TERI, TERI Governing Council, and TERI University till this is reviewed by the Governing Council given the subjudice nature of the matter,” the energy and environment research institute said.
Pachauri has been allegations of sexual misconduct.
Ashok Chawla, former Finance Secretary to the Government of India and former Chairman of the Competition Commission will be the new chairman of the prestigious institution.
“The Council looks forward to his leadership of this important Institute. The Council also inducted the new Director General, Ajay Mathur, as a Member of the Council who will operate with full executive powers,” it said.
B.V. Sreekantan resigned as the Chairman of the Council. He had been a member of the Council for over 40 years and contributed immensely to its development.
The process for the replacement of Dr. Pachauri as Director General of TERI culminated in the appointment of Dr. Ajay Mathur as Director General with full executive powers on 23rd July, 2015.
“However, as Dr. Mathur was able to join only on 8th February, 2016 after he was finally relieved by the Government of India, the Governing Council effected various interim arrangements so as not to destabilize the operations of the Institute,” TERI said.
TERI has a staff strength of 1200 people, of which over 33% are women. 14 of the 30 Directors are women, the institute added.
“The Governing Council of TERI supports the rights of women and has consistently ensured the provision of a secure environment and a safe work place for its employees.”