In a first, Tamil Nadu governer to interview VC candidates

Chennai: Setting a healthy precedent, particularly in the backdrop of allegations of high-level corruption in vice-chancellor appointments, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has now decided to personally interview the candidates before selecting the vice-chancellors for three universities including Anna University, according to reliable sources.

The interview for selecting three vice-chancellors is likely to take place from May 24 to 26. The Governor-Chancellor may ask the candidates to present their vision for developing the universities, sources said.

The three premier universities of the state — Anna University, Madras University and Madurai Kamaraj University — are remaining headless for more than a year.
After a prolonged delay, the VC search panels of the three universities submitted three candidates list to the Governor last week.

“It has been alleged that there was a rampant corruption taking place in VC appointments for several years. The move of the Governor will at least ensure a suitable candidate for the VC post,” professors said.  

Mr Vidyasagar Rao recently interviewed candidates for Tamil Nadu Fisheries University and named the vice-chancellor. Usually, the Governor-Chancellor will choose a name from the shortlisted candidates and appoint him as the VC.  

Though the search panel members refused to reveal the names, names of former VCs of Madras University and Anna University are being rumoured to be on the list.

The name of an eminent professor who recently retired from a high post in the Central governing body is also reportedly featured on the list.   

"So far I have not received any communication from the Governor's office. That's all I can say at the moment," one of the former VCs said.

"We only know that the names have been submitted to the Governor. We are expecting the appointment of VCs by end of this month," officials from the higher education department said.