JNU VC Jagadesh Kumar to head Anna University VC search panel

JNU VC Jagadesh Kumar to head Anna University VC search panel

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:02.04.2021 

Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar was appointed as the governor’s nominee and convener of Anna University’s vice-chancellor search committee. Incumbent VC M K Surappa completes his tenure on April 11. The committee will shortlist three names to submit to governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Professor Kumar also headed the VC search committee of Madras university last year. Political parties in Tamil Nadu had opposed his appointment to Madras university committee stating that his tenure at JNU was mired in controversies.

The Anna University search panel will also comprise Madras university former VC S P Thyagarajan and former IAS officer Sheela Rani Chungath. Professor Thyagarajan was the nominee of the Syndicate while Sheela Rani Sungath was nominated by the state government.

“The search panel may meet once before inviting the applications for the VC post. The first meeting is likely to be held online,” a source said.

Due to the model code of conduct for assembly elections, the formation of a search committee was delayed. The government issued an order only after the Election Commission’s consent.

“Even before issuing the advertisement for the post, the panel may need consent from the Election Commission. So, the selection process is likely to start after the elections on April 6,” a professor from Anna University said.

As per the amendment to Tamil Nadu University Laws, the search panel will have four months to submit the three names to the governor.

The government formed an inquiry committee, headed by a retired high court judge P Kalaiyarasan, to probe the allegations of financial irregularities against VC Surappa. Professor Surappa has filed a case challenging the government order constituting the commission of inquiry against him and it is pending before the court.

The Anna University search panel will also comprise Madras university former VC S P Thyagarajan and former IAS officer Sheela Rani Chungath. The panel is to shortlist three names and submit them to governor Banwarilal Purohit in four months