15-day application deadline for Gadag varsity VC post draws flak

Gadag: The govt has invited applications for the post of vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (MGRDPRU), Gadag, allowing only 15 days for submission, drawing criticism from activists who say it violates UGC norms mandating a minimum 30-day window.Activists argue the short deadline raises concerns over transparency and equal opportunity, and could favour those with prior knowledge of the process. They have approached the governor’s office seeking an extension.Ningappa Pujar, an RTI activist and lecturer at a private college, told TOI that he has sent a letter to the governor, chief minister, chief secretary and RDPR secretary a week ago, and has also drawn the CM’s attention on X.“Notification dated June 15 had given only 15 days to submit the application. The VC is the highest academic and administrative position in the varsity; such a limited period is grossly inadequate for eminent academicians from across the country to learn about the notification, collect the required documents, and submit complete applications. This short period restricts wider participation and is inconsistent with the principles of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity that should govern appointments to such a constitutional post,” he added.

Requesting anonymity, a professor at MGRDPRU said that the notification does not specify a last date and only states ‘within 15 days’. “Whether it is excluding govt holidays or including, it is not clear. A search committee was formed two years ago. It is also not clear whether the same committee is in force or it is dissolved” he said.Prof Vishnukant Chatpalli, who retired as VC, MGRDPRU, on May 26, 2024, said the govt should follow Acts and UGC rules while appointing a VC in the larger interest of higher education.

After his retirement, the varsity is functioning with an in-charge VC.Ravikant Angadi, an advocate, said there is apprehension within the academic community that the search committee may have been constituted earlier and could be used for the present recruitment. “The govt should clarify whether the committee has been constituted in accordance with the applicable statutory provisions and the prevailing UGC regulations.

The unusually short application period also creates a reasonable apprehension that the process may not provide a level playing field to all eligible candidates and may inadvertently give an undue advantage to persons who had prior knowledge of the proposed recruitment,” he said.He added that if the govt fails to reissue the notification within at least 30 days, he will file a public interest litigation in the high court. “Govt should reconstitute a fresh search committee, in accordance with the applicable statutory provisions, Govt Orders, and UGC regulations,” he said.