New Delhi: Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister in order to give two terms to the heads of Central Universities, has written to the Vice-Chancellors (VC’s), to get the respective statutes revised and seek approval of the visitor for the purpose.
Presently, the vice-chancellors of only seven central universities including Jamia Millia Islamia, Banaras Hindu University, North-East Hill University and Pondicherry University, can serve for two terms. However, the heads of the remaining 33 CUs can serve for just one term. HRDs move can help the VCs of Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) seek another term. While DU VC Deepak Pentals first term gets over in October, JNU VC BB Bhattacharyas term gets over in June this year. In fact, in JNU there has been talk of amending the statute for some time.
HRD Minister, in its letter to VCs has said that since the age of retirement of teachers in CUs has been raised from 62 to 65 and that of Central Universities VC’s from 65 to 70, it has been noted that statutes of many universities do not allow for second term or reappointment of an serving Vice-Chancellor . In the letter, the ministry has said that after due deliberation it has decided that the incumbent of the post is also made eligible for reappointment for another term.
The initiative was taken by the HRD ministry, as it felt that there is real dearth of competent people willing to provide academic leadership in the university system. It has also argued that a second term would ensure that vice-chancellors who perform above par are able to render continued service in the university. It cited the instance of IITs where the directors are eligible for a second term.
