IT News
Imphal, Aug 26:
All process as per the regulations of the UGC has been completed for the appointment of a new regular Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Manipur University that has been looked after by a court designated Administrator following a prolong crisis during Pandey’s tenure as VC, however, the University is unlikely to have a regular VC as expected after Prof. AP Pandey continues to stands as an obstacle to the process. A source close to Imphal Times however said that there is no way that Prof. AP Pandey can sabotage the recruitment process of a regular VC as the Manipur University is now prepared to face any obstacle created to the process of appointment for a new regular VC. September 17, 2020 will decide on whether the former VC Prof AP Pandey wins or the Manipur University defends the appointment under the advice of the MHRD. The case filed by the former VC AP Pandey against his dismissal from the post of VC is listed for hearing at Supreme Court on September 17, 2020.
As per the source, around 200 plus applicants have been received for the post of Vice-Chancellor from various universities across the country after the MHRD invited applicants through advertisement at various media. Among these 120 candidates have been shortlisted and called for interview at New Delhi on August 19 and 20. Interestingly, only 118 deserving candidates appeared at which 2 are from the state of Manipur. The two shortlisted candidates are from Central Agricultural University Manipur and another from the Manipur University. After the interview, five candidates among the candidates have been again shortlisted including one from the Manipur University for the post, and the selection was almost completed, but have to withhold for the time being as former VC Prof. Pandey has filed a petition at the Supreme Court.
The source said that in the last three years the present NDA government has started filling of vacant VC posts of almost all universities across the country and record showed that VCs are never appointed from candidates of the same University. However, taking into account the volatile situation of the Manipur University, the source added that the government of Manipur had requested the MHRD to give preference from the local to head the highest educational institution of the state. However, as of now whether the MHRD will consider the request from the state government or not is a matter yet to be decided.