Magadh University VC appointment may take time as search panel yet to be formed, ETEducation

Gaya: As the search committee for the appointment of the vice-chancellor (VC) of Magadh University is yet to be constituted and questions have arisen regarding its proposed composition, the selection process is expected to take more time.

The post became vacant on Feb 14 after the completion of the three-year term of Shashi Pratap Shahi. Governor-cum-chancellor of the universities, Arif Mohammed Khan, allowed the VC to hold office till the appointment of his successor or until further order, whichever is earlier.

Though the exact number of applicants for appointment to the post of the VC is not known, sources said, several dozen academics of the rank of professor and less than 67 years of age from Bihar, UP and Delhi have applied for the post. Jan 5 was the last date for application to the post.

According to experts, there is inconsistency between the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976 (as amended till date) and the UGC regulation 2018 in respect of the composition of the search committee.

Whereas the Bihar Act stipulates, an eminent scholar or academician nominated by the chancellor as chairman, the director or head of a national-level institute or a VC of a statutory university nominated by the chancellor and an eminent academician nominated by the state govt, the UGC regulation 2018 mandates the inclusion of its (UGC) representative in the search committee.

Kusum Kumari, a former VC, while emphasising the need to follow UGC guidelines in the constitution of the selection committee, regretted that women are generally not included in the selection committee thereby making it less representative. Without representation at all levels, women empowerment remains just another slogan, she alleged.

The order on the continuation of the VC has come with a rider and as per the notification issued by the principal secretary to the governor-cum-chancellor, the VC will have to obtain the prior approval of the chancellor before taking important decisions.

This “adhocism” should be ended at the earliest, said Sunil Singh, MLC-cum-general secretary of the Federation of University Teachers Associations of Bihar (FUTAB).

While favouring early appointment of the VC, the FUTAB general secretary said the post should be filled in a fair and transparent manner.

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