Patna, Jan. 24: Wrangling over the list of nominees for VC and pro-VCs sent by Raj Bhavan continues as the education department has dubbed it “sketchy” and sought further information.

“The Raj Bhavan list does not even mention which university the candidates have been listed for nor does it explain how the person is qualified for the post. It does not offer any background of the candidates or specify if the candidates face any charge,” a top source in the education department said under cover of anonymity.

The source said the Raj Bhavan and the chief minister’s office were “communicating” on the issue.

“The list was sent to the CM’s office which sent it to us. We have recommended further information be sought about the candidates,” said the source.

The chief minister’s office will be sending a letter to Raj Bhavan seeking information about these candidates, he added.

Sources in Raj Bhavan said they are yet to receive any letter so far.

The governor, in his capacity as chancellor of the state’s universities, had sent a list of 16 persons on January 7 — the last day of the stipulated deadline set by Patna High Court. Last month, the court had quashed the appointment of six vice-chancellors, including that of Patna University, and four pro-vice-chancellors made by the governor, saying the mandatory procedure of consulting the state government was not followed before filling the posts. However, just three days after the court’s verdict, Raj Bhavan directed the VCs to continue in their posts until fresh appointments were made.

The list sent by Raj Bhavan also includes the names of VCs whose appointments were quashed. What has irked the government more is the fact that at least four of them face charges of irregularities — Shambhu Nath Singh, Arun Kumar, Arvind Pandey and Bimal Kumar. Education minister P.K. Shahi has repeatedly questioned the “dubious” background of the VCs appointed by Governor Devanand Konwar.

As per the court’s direction, the government has to reply back with its view on the names sent by Raj Bhavan by February 7.

The court has also maintained that the government can only give its view on the names. Experts say Raj Bhavan has the upper hand irrespective of the fact that the state government has objections to the candidates’ list.