HINDU
With model code coming into force, 2 varsities will remain headless
With the election model code of conduct coming into force on Friday, there is uncertainty over the appointment of Vice Chancellors to the University of Madras (UNOM) and the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). The universities have remained headless for two months and eight months respectively.
Last month, one of the members of the MKU Vice-Chancellor search committee, Prof Mu Ramasamy, had quit, levelling serious allegations against its convener C Murukadas.
Similarly, a member of the UNOM VC search committee, Surendra Prasad, remained incommunicado following alleged difference of opinion with other members over finalising the shortlist of names for the top post.
In this backdrop, a cross-section of academics feels that the universities might have to remain headless till a new Government is in place in May.
“State universities have only academic autonomy. The administrative and financial powers vest with the government. Since finance comes largely from the State government and a portion from the Centre, the universities must abide by the norms of the Election Commission,” feels former UNOM Vice Chancellor Prof S P Thyagarajan.
According to him, with the mode code of conduct in place it would only be appropriate for the universities to seek special exemption from the Election Commission quoting the necessity for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor. “The government must justify the request for exemption from the model code of conduct, such as if there is an impending evaluation of the university for accreditation or for (availing any statutory) status,” he explained.
Association of University Teachers president M. Ravichandran said since the Governor nominates a person to the search committee with the government’s help, it rests with the government to take up a university’s case.
There has been at least one instance in the recent past when the Election Commission has given relief to a university.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University M. Ananadakrishnan recalled that the Rajasthan government had appealed to the Election Commission through the Governor-Chancellor that the Rajasthan University had advertised a large number of faculty vacancies but since the model code of conduct was put in place interviews could not be held. “The Election Commission gave them a special permission to conduct the recruitment,” Prof. Anandakrishnan recalled.
However, he was of the view that since only two more months were left for polling, the Election Commission may not find it appropriate to grant special permission for the appointments.
With model code coming into force, 2 varsities will remain headless
With the election model code of conduct coming into force on Friday, there is uncertainty over the appointment of Vice Chancellors to the University of Madras (UNOM) and the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). The universities have remained headless for two months and eight months respectively.
Last month, one of the members of the MKU Vice-Chancellor search committee, Prof Mu Ramasamy, had quit, levelling serious allegations against its convener C Murukadas.
Similarly, a member of the UNOM VC search committee, Surendra Prasad, remained incommunicado following alleged difference of opinion with other members over finalising the shortlist of names for the top post.
In this backdrop, a cross-section of academics feels that the universities might have to remain headless till a new Government is in place in May.
“State universities have only academic autonomy. The administrative and financial powers vest with the government. Since finance comes largely from the State government and a portion from the Centre, the universities must abide by the norms of the Election Commission,” feels former UNOM Vice Chancellor Prof S P Thyagarajan.
According to him, with the mode code of conduct in place it would only be appropriate for the universities to seek special exemption from the Election Commission quoting the necessity for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor. “The government must justify the request for exemption from the model code of conduct, such as if there is an impending evaluation of the university for accreditation or for (availing any statutory) status,” he explained.
Association of University Teachers president M. Ravichandran said since the Governor nominates a person to the search committee with the government’s help, it rests with the government to take up a university’s case.
There has been at least one instance in the recent past when the Election Commission has given relief to a university.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University M. Ananadakrishnan recalled that the Rajasthan government had appealed to the Election Commission through the Governor-Chancellor that the Rajasthan University had advertised a large number of faculty vacancies but since the model code of conduct was put in place interviews could not be held. “The Election Commission gave them a special permission to conduct the recruitment,” Prof. Anandakrishnan recalled.
However, he was of the view that since only two more months were left for polling, the Election Commission may not find it appropriate to grant special permission for the appointments.
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