Race for HPU vicechancellor hots up
TOP POST Over 24 applicants, including academicians, teachers and former VC of the varsity, in the fray
SHIMLA: The race for the position of vice-chancellor (V-C) of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is at its peak with the government fixing January 21 as the last date to submit application.
Over 24 academicians have submitted their applications so far. Sources say several academicians are also making rounds and engaging in backdoor lobbying.
Professor Shashikant Sharma Lomesh, a former registrar of HPU, is one of the front runners for the post. Lomesh currently heads the chemistry department of the university. Professor Sikander, head of economics department at HPU, is also vying for the post. Other aspirants include professor SP Bansal, V-C of Indira Gandhi University, Meerpur, Rewari in Haryana and former HPU V-C Sunil Gupta. Sources in the HPU said some junior professors, who are ineligible for want of both academic and administrative experience, have also entered the race through their strong political connections. Some teachers too, who actively participated in the assembly polls, are in fray even though UGC norms bar such persons from being selected for the top post.
Apparently, the scrutiny committee will face a tough time in selecting the suitable candidate as Students’ Federation of India (SFI), left-leaning students’ organisation with a strong presence on the campus, has recorded speeches of some of the teachers, who canvassed in the polls, and have threatened to move court if they are selected for the post.
The post of HPU V-C fell vacant on May 25, 2017 after the term of ADN Bajpai ended.
Pro vice-chancellor RS Chauhan is the acting V-C presently.
With HPU having no regular V-C for over seven months, the decision making in the university has come to a standstill.
The search committee formed by the chancellor is yet to submit the panel of names, which will be shortlisted by a three-member screening committee.