Universities to get new vice-chancellors this Friday?

By Ashmita Gupta  |  Express News Service  |   Published: 23rd February 2017 05:39 AM  |  

Last Updated: 23rd February 2017 05:39 AM  |     

CHENNAI: The Vice-Chancellor’s post in State universities that have been lying vacant may finally be filled on Friday (Feb 24), the birth anniversary of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, sources said.
Several names are already making the rounds among faculty members over the likely Vice-Chancellors for Anna University and Madurai-Kamaraj University, while the search committee of the University of Madras is yet to have its final meeting.

These important posts have been lying vacant for over a year - over two years in the case of Madurai-Kamaraj University.

There were several applications for Anna University V-C’s post. Initially, S Sivanesan, Dean of AC Tech, was considered to be a leading contender. However, sources said he did not have any engineering background which hampered his chances.

Another contender who emerged later is S Gowri, though it will not be easy for him as well. Detractors say he became a professor directly without following the process of lectureship. Known to be influential, he was earlier the Registrar of one of the universities, when Anna University was split into four.  

According to a faculty member, others in the fray include the current dean of College of Engineering, Guindy, P Narayanasamy; Director of Academics, TV Geetha; and Controller of Examination, GV Uma. If either of the latter two get selected, it would be the first time the technical university, the biggest in the country, will have a woman Vice-Chancellor.  Uma, if appointed, will also become the first member from SC community to attain the post.

“When selecting V-Cs, UGC guidelines that mandate a minimum 10 years experience as professor should be strictly followed. The person should also be an engineering academic of repute. The governor should ensure that these guidelines are followed while appointing them,” said I Arul Aram, president of Anna University Teacher’s Association.

According to sources, the search committee of Madurai- Kamaraj University had already submitted the shortlist containing three names to the governor.

At the University of Madras, on the other hand, the search committee has not had its final meeting yet. Sources said it was not yet clear if the committee, which has not even scheduled the final meeting yet, would be able to submit the names before Friday. “But it is just a matter of 10 minutes. They may recommend the names,” the sources said.