Ranchi, Dec. 24: The state government has suggested names for the top four posts that will be rendered vacant in three state universities after December 31.

A search committee formed by the governor-cum-chancellor of universities will take the names into consideration.

Besides, names of four other academics have been suggested for the chairs of vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor of two proposed universities — Neelambar-Pitambar and Kolhan in Palamau and Kolhan respectively.

The terms of the vice-chancellors of Ranchi University (RU) A.A. Khan and Vinobha Bhave University (VBU) M.P. Singh, and the pro-vice-chancellors of VBU Jyoti Lal Oraon and Sidhu Kanhu-Murmu University (SKMU) Arvind Kumar are coming to an end on December 31.

The Raj Bhavan, in consultation with the state government, will also have to finalise the names for the posts of vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors of Neelambar-Pitambar and Kolhan universities.

“Names of noted academics have been sent for Governor Syed Sibtey Razi’s consideration after detailed consultation with chief minister Shibu Soren. At this juncture, it would not be wise to reveal the names. We can only say that now the ball is in the governor’s court,” human resource development (HRD) minister Bandhu Tirkey told The Telegraph.

Speculations are on as to who would bag the eight coveted posts in three existing and two proposed universities of the state even as the search committee is yet to act.

Highly placed sources at the HRD department said the four names suggested for the two proposed varsities are Salil Kumar Roy (present pro-vice-chancellor of RU), Md Shahid Hasan (head of postgraduate department of psychology, RU), Rampravesh (principal of Doranda College, Ranchi) and Bhola Nath Tudu (retired principal of Tata College, Chaibasa). But, it is not clear whose name has been recommended for which post. The sources added that RU vice-chancellor does not feature in the HRD recommendation list.

The governor returned from his Haj trip today. However, sources said a decision to appoint new heads would be taken only after the Tamar by-polls get over on January 8, 2009.

The search committee formed by the governor comprises Prof. Kamal, the former vice-chancellor of Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (chairman), Indu Dhan, the former vice-chancellor of SKMU (member) and Sudhir Tripathi, the principal secretary of the governor (convener).

A week ago, HRD secretary R.S. Verma wrote to the vice-chancellors of the three universities, asking them to recommend names and also send resumes of interested teachers within the university for the posts. The HRD department received about 25 CVs from the three universities. These were forwarded to the HRD minister.

Tripathi has requested the HRD department to send recommendations, if any, for the consideration of the committee. However, it is the governor, who will take a final decision in consultation with the government.