NU likely to get new VC by July-end

Nagpur: Nagpur University (NU) is likely to get its new vice chancellor by the end of July, said officials. The office of chancellor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has asked the search committee led by former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Dilip Bhosale to speed up the process which has been moving at a snail’s pace due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The panel also comprises principal secretary Sanjay Chahande along with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, chairman Abhay Karandikar, who was nominated by NU’s management and academic councils.NU’s deputy registrar Wasim Ahmed is the liaisoning officer while IIT Bombay registrar R Premkumar is the nodal officer.
Premkumar told TOI that 130 applications have come in. The search panel has been regularly holding its meetings via the online platform. “Shortly, the panel will be finalizing the candidates for interaction. The panel itself will decide if the interaction would be in-person or online. It depends on the travel permissions and the prevailing situation,” he said.
NU officials said the panel shortlisted candidates after scrutinizing their applications which were based on their basic qualifications. “Since a large number of applications have been received, candidates will be further shortlisted as per the desirable qualifications which include representation on statutory bodies in academic life, research activities, etc,” they said.
Indications are that the last five names would be finalized in a week’s time while the VC will be named by the end of the month. On the number of applicants to be called for interaction, officials said, “Last time, 25 candidates were called. This time it is likely that at least 15 or more would be called.”
On June 16, TOI had reported that over 125 candidates have applied for the post of Nagpur University’s (NU) vice-chancellor (VC). The panel had extended the date for receiving hard copies of online applications and supporting documents to June 15.
If not for the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdown, NU probably would have by now seen a new full-time officer occupying the VC post which is lying vacant following the completion of SP Kane’s tenure on April 8. Amravati University VC Murlidhar Chandekar is holding the additional charge.