Environmentalist RK Pachauri, accused of sexual harassment by his former women colleagues, has stepped down as a member of the Governing Council of TERI “to get engaged in other interests”.
The announcement came on the heels of a media report which said the green body has decided to “sever” its association with Pachauri, even though his employment contract with TERI expires in 2017. It said the Governing Council had also decided to pay all the dues for the remainder of his tenure and bring an immediate end to it.
Pachauri Dismisses Media Reports, Says He Willingly Quit
Pachauri, however, maintained that his term as a member of TERI’s Governing Council ended on 31 March 2016 and he felt it was time for him “to move away and get engaged in other interests” which he had harboured over the past few years for activities at the global level.
In his statement, Pachauri said the TERI staff was its “greatest treasure”, which under the new Director General will take the Institute to much greater heights in the years ahead.
I have had the good fortune of leading TERI for three decades and a half and have received the priceless contribution from thousands of colleagues over the years in building up this Institute to level of an outstanding organisation. I began with TERI as the articulation of my dream and humanity’s call for a major intellectual resource, which has now grown to a size and spread straddling the whole world, with a staff strength of around 1200 professionals and world-class infrastructure and expertise.Statement by Pachauri
Victim Questions Alleged Payment of Dues to Pachauri
The former TERI employee, who was allegedly harassed by Pachauri, has questioned the alleged payment of dues to Pachauri for the remainder of his contract.
Why are full dues till 2017 allegedly paid? I was on unpaid leave for 5 months. I do not understand why the members of governing council do not speak on the record. If they are apprehensive of doing so, how were others in TERI expected to speak up?Victim
When contacted for comments, a TERI spokesperson did not confirm the contents of the media report.
The Governing Council of TERI met on 18 April 2016. Several decisions were taken in the meeting. The minutes of the meeting are currently awaiting approval.Spokesperson, TERI
As the post of Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) is co-terminus with this membership, his role as EVC also ended along with his membership of the Council. Pachauri said he was issuing the statement “to provide the media with information” about his “stepping down” from TERI’s Governing Council, suggesting the decision to call time on his association with the organisation was voluntary.
Pachauri was removed from the post of Director General in 2015 after an FIR was filed against him following a complaint of sexual harassment made by a junior female colleague.
Despite the controversy, the green body’s Governing Council created the post of Executive Vice Chairman for Pachauri, triggering an outrage, following which he was asked to proceed on leave.
Dr Pachauri has headed TERI, which conducts research in sustainable development and climate change, for the last 35 years.
(With PTI Inputs)
Also Read:
Exclusive: Pachauri Harassment Survivor Shares Her Ordeal
Pachauri Case Highlights the Need to Revisit Vishaka Guidelines
Another RK Pachauri Sexual Harassment Victim Breaks Her Silence
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