With election to Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar countermanded and the code of conduct withdrawn, the focus is on when Vice-Chancellors would be appointed to various universities.
Sources in the Higher Education Department say the selection of a panel of three names has been completed for Anna University and the University of Madras. The V-C search committees of these institutions are awaiting appointment with the Governor-Chancellor.
The tenure of Anna University V-C ended on May 25, 2016, while that of University of Madras on January 17, 2016. A three-member convener committee in each of these universities is currently administering the institutions.
In this backdrop, academics concerned are hoping that the selection process is not politically influenced. “In the last 10 years, political interference led to poor choice of V-Cs and the subsequent decisions by these persons, who pandered to the political bosses, is the cause of poor financial health of the university,” said a former official of the University of Madras.
In the case of Anna University, professors insisted that only a person with a technical education background must be appointed to the top post.
In the university, there is simmering discontent among professors that research output has been compromised severely and placements had fallen significantly.
A professional and competent V-C is required to set this right, feel some.
Former V-C appeals
Former Anna University V-C M. Anandakrishnan said, “A competent person who fulfils UGC norms on appointment of Vice-Chancellors would emerge as a good leader and be respected for his academic and research output. Such an academician would also put an end to endemic corruption in the appointment of staff and purchase of equipment. There will be respect for graduates of the university.”
Two years ago, Mr. Anandakrishnan had moved the Madras High Court seeking a direction to State universities to comply with the provisions of the University Grants Commission Act for appointing Vice-Chancellors.
