UGC V-C likely to head Madras university

TIMES OF INDIA

Combatore: University Grants Commission vice-chairman H Devaraj is likely to be named the new vice-chancellor of University of Madras. The search committee to select the vice-chancellor is awaiting an appointment to submit the file to governor K Rosaiah.

The announcement, according to highly placed sources, is likely to be made on Monday. The final list, decided upon by the three-member committee on Friday, includes M Kandaswamy, professor and head of inorganic chemistry, Madras University, and S Sriman Narayanan, professor and head of analytical chemistry at the university, sources said. Kandaswamy had been in the race for the job in 2013 as well along with P Kaliraj, then officiating vice-chancellor of Anna University, and R Thandavan who finally got the job.

A former vice-chancellor of the university, sources said, is also trying to get his name included in the list before it reaches the governor. While a member of the search committee refused comment on Devaraj becoming the vice-chancellor, the UGC vice-chairman said, "I am yet to receive any communication on this matter. But I would be happy and honoured to take up the position, if I am offered."

There is still uncertainty over the appointments of vice-chancellors for Madurai Kamaraj University and Coimbatore-based Bharathiar University. On February 13, the senate nominee in the search committee to select a vice-chancellor for MKU, Mu Ramasamy, resigned from the panel citing irregularities in the process. Now, a re-election will have to be conducted to choose the senate nominee, a professor of the university said.

"A gazette notification will have to be issued, and the election can be held on the 14th day after issuing the notification. But, if this is contested, the election will be postponed by a week," the professor said.

But all this could go in vain if the date for the state assembly election is announced before the senate representative's election. "No appointments can be made after the elections are announced," the professor said. Asked if the search committee would be valid after a new government assumes office, he said, "There are no regulations that define the functions of the V-C search committee. So, it depends on which party or alliance forms the government."

The situation at Bharathiar University is similar, with a member of the search committee hinting at resigning from the post.

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