Patna, Feb. 9: The ongoing tussle between the state government and the chancellor’s office on the issue of appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs) of five universities is proving to be a costly affair.

The feud has stalled official works, which need VC’s approval. Moreover, according to the University Act and Statutes, an acting vice-chancellor does not enjoy freedom on issues related to finance of the university like a VC.

If the acting VC wants to take decision regarding any financial issue, he/she has to take the opinion of legal heads of the university.

The case in Patna University is unique as the post of VC is headed by acting VC Sudipto Adkikari while the post of pro-VC is vacant after the term of former pro-VC, S.I. Ahson’s term expired on February 3.

On January 24, the Raj Bhavan announced the names of acting VCs for all the five universities. Adhikari has been appointed Patna University acting VC till further orders.

Moreover, the post of pro-VC assumes significance as he directly controls the university examination, issues ordinances for starting new courses after getting approval from academic council of the university. According to the academic calendar of PU, the final-year examination for vocational courses will start on February 27, similarly from March the final-year examination for all undergraduate courses will also commence.

Patna University Teachers’ Association general secretary Randhir Kumar Singh said: “As the post of pro-VC is vacant in PU it has increased the work load on Adhikari. Apart from looking after academic work he is also taking classes in the geography department.”

He added: “Moreover, there are many teachers in PU, whose pay-fixation has not been completed and in such a case the acting VC cannot exercise any power.”