ArmInfo. In case of confirmation of information on corruption schemes at the Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Film, the rector of the university will not be dismissed. This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia Araik Harutyunyan on September 20 in a conversation with reporters.
According to Harutyunyan, the ministry, within the limits of its powers, will try to find out the rector's involvement in the frauds alleged by the investigation. But for today, as the minister pointed out, one can already say that, among other things, the question is the responsibility of the rector of the university for the quality of management of the educational institution. "Even if he is not involved in these corruption schemes, he, like any leader, is responsible for these actions, since they existed in the department headed by him," he said.
As Harutyunyan explained, a criminal case on this fact was initiated on the basis of a complaint statement, received by the Ministry. On all such statements, including on the possible collection of money in schools, the Ministry of Education and Science will react in a similar way, the minister said.
Recall that on September 17, 2018, the Police issued a statement, according to which, based on the results of the preliminary investigation, it was possible to find out that in 2012 - 2016, the teacher of the English language of the Institute was appointed pro-rector for human resources, international cooperation and interuniversity affairs. In fact, he did not teach, but at the same time he received a salary, it was about 3500000 drams. In addition, it turned out that the wife of the pro-rector and the niece of another pro-rector were listed at the department. They actually did not work, but they received a salary, and later they were sent to the decree. As a result, about 900 thousand drams were wasted (almost 2000 dollars). It also became clear that since January 2016 the pro-rector of the institute, without a reasonable need, allegedly for the needs of the institute, signed a lease agreement for the vehicle with the wife of one of the vice-rectors. The car was used by the pro-rector, and about 8 million 150 thousand drams (about 16 thousand 979 dollars) were spent from the institute's financial means for car rent and salary to the driver. A criminal case was opened on the fact.
As a result, since the morning of September 19 a group of students of the Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Film announced a strike. They demand the resignation of the rector of the institute David Muradyan and the Institute's senior staff. Some teachers of the university also take part in the protest action. Meanwhile, as David Muradyan stated, while the law enforcement agencies did not give a final assessment, I'm not going to resign. According to him, there is not that number of protesting students whose demands he would have satisfied. <How many people went on strike? Probably 20, 30 or 40 people. About 800 students get education in this university. So let the concept of "strike" come up with certain reservations, "Muradyan said.