Rahul defamed office of VCs, academicians write open letter

NEW DELHI: As many as 181 academicians, including vice chancellors and former VCs, have accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading ‘falsehood’ regarding the appointment process for university heads and sought lawful action against him.

In an open letter, they said “Rahul Gandhi has has defamed the Office of the VCs.” The Congress leader has alleged that vice chancellors are appointed solely on the basis of affiliation with some organisation rather than merit as they slammed his claims.

The process by which VCs are selected is characterised by stringent and transparent rigorous procedure grounded in the values of meritocracy, distinction and integrity, they said.

Jawaharlal University Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Delhi University VC Yogesh Singh and AICTE Chairman TG Sitharam are among the academicians who have signed onto the letter.

The selection has been completely based on academic and administrative prowess and with a vision to take universities ahead, they said.

Though they did not quote Gandhi’s specific claims, the Congress leader has in the past alleged that affiliations with the Hindutva organisation RSS is often the guiding factor in appointments to academia.

Universities in India have undergone a significant transition as evident in their ascent in global rankings, prominent accreditations, world class research and innovations, curriculum facelift narrowing the industry academia gap and higher placement prospects reaffirming their commitment to academic quality and present-day relevance, they asserted.

The Congress leader has alleged VCs are appointed on the basis of affiliation with some organisation rather than merit