Interviews for Anna Univ VC post on Aug 9

Interviews for Anna Univ VC post on Aug 9

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.08.2021

Anna University vice-chancellor search committee, headed by Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor M Jagadish Kumar, will interview shortlisted candidates on August 9. Ten candidates, including five professors from Anna University and two from IIT Madras, were shortlisted from the 160-odd candidates from across the country who applied for the post, sources said.

Candidates are likely to be asked to present their vision for the state’s premier technical university, including their plans for bringing in funds and improving the research output, during the interview. Following the interview, the search panel will recommend three names to governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Other members on the panel are retired IAS officer Sheela Rani Chunkath and former vice-chancellor of Madras University S P Thyagarajan.

The panel invited applications from candidates with 20 years of teaching experience in universities, postgraduate colleges and research institutions and minimum 10 years of experience as a professor in the university system. The application window ended on June 30.

Anna University vice-chancellor M K Surappa completed his three-year tenure on April 11 and the varsity is being run by a three-member convener committee for the last three months.

Anna University professors urged the search panel and governor to select a candidate with impeccable character and high academic credentials as vicechancellor.

E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor of Anna University, proposed eight measures to the governor to make the VC selection process more transparent. He suggested that former VCs be included in the search panel, a publicity blitz to attract maximum suitable candidates, publication of bio-data of all applicants, disqualification of candidates who try to influence, obtaining a clearance certificate from DVAC for shortlisted candidates and integrity certificate from former employers. He also suggested that the list of recommended candidates be placed in public domain for at least a week before the appointment order is issued.

Ten candidates, including five professors from Anna University and two from IIT Madras, were shortlisted from 160-odd applicants from across the country