Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation polls to impact selection of vice-chancellor

Visakhapatnam: The suspense over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor to Andhra University continues to remain even after four months of the exit of the former one.

The three-member search committee, which was formed to suggest a panel of three names for appointment of the VC post, had chaired three meetings in Hyderabad and reportedly came up with some names.

But with the ruling TD government eyeing the top chair in the upcoming Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation elections, it has been treading with caution in picking the final name for this plum post as caste equations could play a vital role in the GVMC elections, say some sources. Andhra University Rector Prof. E.A. Narayana was made the officiating VC in February as the tenure of the outgoing VC Prof. G.S.N. Raju came to an end.

The notification, inviting applications from professors who had completed 10 years, had drawn about 180 applications from professors of various universities, including those who ascended the top ranks of various statutory educational bodies of the government.

Besides the names of former VC Prof. G.S.N. Raju, interim V-C Prof. E.A. Narayana, Registrar Prof. Umamaheswara Rao and a retired lady professor, there is speculation about various others for the selection of VC post on the campus.

A senior professor of the varsity, who is also in the race for the post, said it would finally go to one belonging to the BC, this time. “According to available information, the intelligence officials have collected details of three professors of the varsity who belong to the BC community.

A senior professor from the chemistry department, a retired professor from the human genetics department, a retired principal of law college and a professor from SV University are thought to be the top contenders.

The GVMC elections can have a decisive impact on the final selections and the government would take a final call after the conclusion of Mahanadu,” he added.

Some argue that the powers-that-be are not happy with the names chosen in the final list and so was delaying clearing the file. Some students in the varsity said there was an uneasy calm prevailing on the campus as many professors are awaiting to know the final name.