Katheria in encroachment row, NSUI protests

AGRA: In fresh trouble for Union MoS (HRD) Ram Shankar Katheria, National Students Union of India (NSUI) members on Thursday gheraoed registrar of Dr BR Ambedkar University accusing Katheria of encroachment on varsity land around the house he occupies on the campus and demanded FIR against him. The NSUI members claimed that the MP is living in the house allotted by the university and has illegally encroached the varsity campus and made his party office in the premises (which is not allowed).The minister has also been allotted another house by central government in New Delhi.
Students locked the registrar, BK Pandey, in a room and refused to let him out till he promised action in the matter.
NSUI members alleged that the junior HRD minister has not moved out of the house allotted by the university despite having taken a five-year leave from his teaching position. They also alleged that Katheria uses the house as his office and holds BJP meetings there, which they say is illegal.
According to Amit Singh, the NSUI national secretary, the minister has also been allotted a house by the Centre in New Delhi. “According to the norms, a minister cannot take double benefits if he is a government servant. This means he can’t earn from two sources or own two houses or have two pensions. However, Ram Shankar Katheria is enjoying two perks at the same time, which is illegal,” said Singh.
He added that Katheria holds personal events and party meetings inside the varsity campus.
The NSUI leader questioned the registrar if all the other teachers were also allowed to have their offices on the university campus by illegally encroaching upon the land.
“It is true that the central minister, Ram Shankar Katheria, who is also a teacher at the university, is living in the varsity’s Khandari campus. The NSUI members have pointed out that its illegal. I am not aware of the norms and therefore will have to discuss the matter with senior authorities. Appropriate action will be taken in the matter after investigations,” BK Pandey, the registrar.
Ram Shankar Katheria could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.