Patna, Jan. 11: With just a fortnight left for term completion of vice-chancellors of five universities, all eyes are set on the Raj Bhawan for the announcement of names of new vice-chancellors (VCs).
The strain between Raj Bhawan and state government is already showing with human resource development minister P.K. Shahi going on record saying that the governor has to hold consultations with the state government before selecting the five VCs. He also maintained that the appointment of three VCs by Raj Bhawan was “legally wrong”.
According to sources, the state HRD department has sent a list of 15 names to the Raj Bhawan after scrutinising the names of probable candidates.
The final decision on the names will be taken only on or after January 20, after one-on-one talks between Chancellor of Universities Devanand Konwar and HRD Minister P.K. Shahi.
Moreover, the number of names may increase as the chancellor might have some of his names that he would want to be incorporated in the list before any final decision takes place.
New vice-chancellors of Patna University, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University (Muzaffarpur), Jai Prakash University (Chhapra), BN Mandal University (Madhepura) and Maulana Mazharul Haq Arabic Persian University (Patna) would be appointed as the term of incumbent VCs is going to end by the third week of January.
Moreover, the appointments of vice-chancellors of these universities are likely to be influenced by political colours as contenders for the coveted posts are lobbying hard at the doors of their political bosses.
HRD sources said that for the vice-chancellor post in Patna University the probable names include N.K. Chaudhary, professor of economics department, PU, Ramashray Singh, professor from Benaras Hindu University and O.P. Chaudhary, superintendent of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
The name of N.K. Chaudhary in the list has taken many people by surprise.
Chaudhary, who has a brilliant academic record, has also been known for backing students in their agitations against university policies.
Currently, Chaudhary is facing a showcause notice served by Patna University, charging him with indulging in “anti-university and anti-government activities”.
Moreover, in 2007, when Y.C. Simhadhari was the vice-chancellor of Patna University, Chaudhary was suspended by the university for indulging in anti-university and anti-government activities.
However, in 2009, chief minister Nitish Kumar had called Chaudhary’s suspension “unfortunate” at a public function. As for Ramashray Singh, he was involved in students’ body elections and his selection will make communication with students easier for university authorities.
The HRD department has made up its mind to appoint VCs from academic background. Earlier, it was assumed that for better management of higher education, the VC should be a bureaucrat.
