RK Pachauri, accused of sexual harassment by a woman employee, has been sacked as the chief of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Dr Ajay Mathur, who currently heads the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is the replacement. TERI claims that the long-pending decision was taken before his colleague has accused Pachauri of sexual harassment.
Internationally-acclaimed climate scientist Dr RK Pachauri was accused of sexual harassment by a younger colleague and has been removed as the head of a nonprofit think tank The Energy and Research Institute of India (TERI).
“We, as employees of TERI, does not have any faith in the present leadership. Keeping the organisation in mind, we urge the governing council to consider a change in leadership immediately,” the employees said in their petition.
“The decision is a very positive development. It finally means that TERI as an institution has stood up to do the right thing. It restores the dignity that TERI used to have,” said an employee.
Bangalore based council member Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said, "Pachauri will not continue. Ajay Mathur has been identified as his successor and he will take over the reins as soon as possible after Pachauri steps down. TERI's long term interests are paramount. That was a court order and the decision taken by the board is best for TERI. I think the board has done what is best for TERI."
An official communication from TERI claimed, "Dr Rajendra K Pachauri has led and built TERI over the last 34 years from a concept to a major, financially autonomous, professionally dynamic organisation on the global stage." "The decision to appoint Dr Ajay Mathur is the culmination of an extensive search process and an intensive evaluation of candidates from across the globe," it says. It added, "The issue of succession to the current leadership of TERI was first discussed in detail by the GC in its meetings held in Mumbai in September 2014."
The alleged victim said, “They have made it look like it is a routine change of guard. There is no mention of my case. And we do not know whether Pachauri will go immediately or continue for a few more months.” The woman had filed a case at Lodhi Road police station on February 13 this year, accusing Pachauri of sending her lewd text messages, e-mails and WhatsApp messages as well as unwanted advances.
The organisation's governing council, comprises of ten members including industry captains like Deepak Parekh, Naina Lal Kidwai, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Hemendra Kothari and Earth Sciences secretary Shailesh Naik.
By Premji
