Puducherry: The ministry of human resources development (MHRD) has scheduled interviews for shortlisted candidates for the post of vice chancellor in Pondicherry Central University on Wednesday in New Delhi.
Two years have passed since the 32-year-old Pondicherry University had a full time vice-chancellor and the ministry has woken up only now following intense pressure from students and academicia.
More than 400 applications were received and around 14 were shortlisted for making the final selection. The new vice chancellor is expected to take charge by April 15.
The committee members of the selection panel include Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, vice-chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, T V Kattimani, vice-chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (Amarkantak, Mad-hya Pradesh) and Pradip Narayan Ghosh, former vice-chancellor, Jadavpur University.
Pondiherry University has been facing a piquant situation with several top posts such as vice-chancellor (VC), registrar, Controller of Examinations,
finance Officerobeing vacant for several months.
“Pondicherry University is included in the list of 11 'non-performing' centrally funded institutions released by MHRD which is not a fact to be proud of. The administration is not able to take decision on any crucial issues such as promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff members, clearance of long pending bills and implementation of 25 per cent reservation to students of the Union Territory,” said a senior teaching faculty declining to be identified.
Once a full-time vice-chancellor is appointed, things will be in place, students and teachers said. Fresh recruitments may begin and more academic activities will be on after the appointment.
