Varsity admin left to fend for itself

There seems to be no end to Mumbai University vice chancellor Rajan Welukar's problems. For, after battling at many fronts, Welukar was hoping to retire peacefully on July 6. 

His senior colleague and pro VC Naresh Chandra (62) has quit on Monday and decided to go back to his parent organisation — Birla College in Kalyan. “Today is my last working day as pro VC,” confirmed Chandra without citing any reason behind his decision. 

University PRO Leeladhar Bansod said: “Chandra's tenure was to be over along with Welukar. Pro VC and Director of Board of Colleges and University Development are said to be vice chancellor's nominee and hence their term usually ends when a VC goes.” 

Chandra reportedly seeks to retain his post of principal of Birla College (from where he sought leave when appointed as pro VC four years back) for which the retirement age is 65. Meanwhile, he is also said to be eyeing VC's post. 

Meanwhile, controller of examination Dinesh Bonde, who was appointed for five years in June 2014, is also contemplating to call it quits. Bonde had got a year's leave from his parent organisation — the higher and technical education department. His leave ends by June first week. 

Until now, he has not requested the government for an extension, confirmed a senior official of the technical education department. The department has raised the concerns, especially because results of all undergraduate and post-graduate courses are on the way and Bonde's departure may jeopardise the process. Bonde is credited to have streamlined the most important but controversial department — exam house — to some extent. 

Sources pointed out Bonde's closeness with Welukar as the major reason behind his untimely exit. 

Bonde, however, claimed, “I am undecided about continuing on the post as of now. But I have a month's time to think over it.” 

Meanwhile, Finance officer of the university AM Phalnikar's term also comes to an abrupt end, said a source. He is an officer of Maharashtra's finance department and was on deputation for three years which will complete by May 2016. Phalnikar, however, said, “I have been given two years for deputation. I am waiting for further orders from the government.” 

The sudden development left everyone in surprise. Some doubted that it could be a deliberate exercise before a new person joins at the top post. 

The developments virtually mean that the next VC would have a brand new team to work with. “This is an ideal situation which most leaders look for. However, this may also slowdown the administration, especially the exam house, affecting lakhs of students.