The tenure of M. Selvam, Vice Chancellor (V-C) of the Bharathidasan University, has been extended by one year.
Governor R.N. Ravi, who is also the Chancellor of the university, issued an order to this effect on Friday, February 2, 2024. As per the order, Mr. Selvam will remain office up to February 4, 2025.
The order was issued just two days before the end of the Prof Selvam’s three-year term and only hours before the Syndicate meeting of the varsity, scheduled for Saturday, February 3.
Following the extension order, the Syndicate meeting, which was convened to constitute members of the Vice Chancellor’s Officiating Committee to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the V-C until a new V-C was appointed, has been cancelled. Mr. Selvam has sent a communication to all members of the Syndicate, informing them of the cancellation of the meeting.
Teachers oppose extension
The Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers’ Association (TNGCTA) has condemned the extension granted to Dr. Selvam as Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University by the Governor.
“The Vice Chancellor has indulged in numerous anti-teacher and anti-student activities during his tenure over the past three years. No progress has been made in any department of the university. The research section of the university is in a chaotic state. It is a great shock to students and teachers that the Vice-Chancellor is continuing for one more year,” said P. Livingstone, State President, TNGCTA, in a statement.
Other Vice-Chancellors of the universities had not been given extension, he pointed out and questioned the “special privilege” extended to Dr. Selvam.
Describing it as “blatant nepotism and undemocratic action” of the Chancellor, Mr.Livingstone said many eminent academicians could be appointed to the post and urged the Higher Education Secretary and Minister to revoke the extension.
