MSU’s VC on panel to search Gujarat University vice-chancellor

Around 50 members of the academic and executive council at the Gujarat University chose the current vice-chancellor of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Yogesh Singh as one of the members of the search committee. With this, the process to form a three-member search panel to select the next vice-chancellor of Gujarat University to replace Dr Parimal Trivedi began.

The meeting at the GU's senate hall also witnessed some protest from the Congress members as the BJP members, who are in majority, came up with only one name and there was no discussion in the meeting. Sources said Singh's name was put forward after recommendation from higher ups in state government.

Narhari Amin, one of the council members, said that they had protested the appointment of Singh on the search panel. "As per the norms, one of the other two names would be suggested by the joint board of vice-chancellors. This means, one of the V-Cs will be a part of the committee. Including Singh as academic and executive council's nomination in the panel means there will be two V-Cs in the panel," he said.  

Considering the proximity of the other varsity's V-C to BJP, there is fear of the political party's influence on the three nominations for the prime post at GU.

The third member in the search panel will be nominated by Gujarat Governor and will head the panel. Congress members also protested as the meeting for academic and executive council members was held at a very short notice. However, according to seniors, the urgency surfaced as according to the University Act, the panel needs to be formed five months before the VC's tenure ends.