Padmasha Jha, the pro-vice-chancellor of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, on Friday took over the post of vice-chancellor (VC), citing the move as a stopgap measure.

The VC’s post fell vacant after the Supreme Court stayed the appointment of six VCs, including that of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, on March 18. The Supreme Court had stayed the appointment of six vice-chancellors and four pro-vice-chancellors made by formerGovernor Devanand Konwar despite the state government’s objection against some of the appointees allegedly having tainted track records.

Jha quoted references from the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976, amended section 13/148, to justify her move of taking over as the new VC.

“In absence of vice-chancellor because of illness, leave and any other cause, the pro-vice-chancellor shall act and perform the duties of the VC,” Jha said. She, however, said her new role is just a stopgap arrangement.

A senior officer with the education department said: “In the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976, it is mentioned that in the absence of VC because of illness, resignation, leave or any other reasons the pro-VC can act as the VC of the university, provided the pro-VC informs it to the Raj Bhavan.”

Jha said she had informed the governor’s office regarding her move. “I have faxed a letter to the office of the governor-cum-chancellor, citing references from the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976, regarding my new role as VC. I will be discharging my duties as the VC of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University from Friday,” Jha added.

If the governor’s office gives consent, Jha would soon take charge as the official VC. This would give her total control over the financial matters of the varsity.

General secretary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (Busta) Arun Kumar Singh backed Jha’s move of taking over the VC of the varsity.

“In temporary absence of the VC, the pro-VC will lawfully discharge the duties of the VC,” Singh said.

The absence of a full-fledged VC had created a bottleneck in the university’s functioning. The 2013-2014 annual budget is still caught in an impasse.

The syndicate of the university had approved the annual budget amounting to Rs 794 crore on March 9, 2013. The budget was scheduled to be tabled on March 23 for a senate clearance. Registrar A.P. Mishra, however, deferred the date citing unavoidable reasons.

Mishra said: “The university is indecisive in holding the senate meet.”