University of Mumbai Acting V-C Dr Devanand Shinde likely to become V-C

Dr Devanand Shinde, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Mumbai may be considered for the post of the Vice Chancellor at the varsity, said sources in the government. Shinde, who has been in charge of the university since October 24, 2017, is likely to be nominated for the post by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao under the special powers granted to him, said a source.

"Shinde was roped in at a point when the varsity was facing a tough time. The Governor might consider his contribution to the university in the past few months and nominate him for the post of the V-C," said a senior government official on condition of anonymity. Shinde personally did not apply for the post.

The search panel shortlisted five names for the post of the V-C over Friday and Saturday. Ruia College Principal Suhas Pednekar and Nagpur University Pro-V-C Pramod Yeole are said to be among the five candidates shortlisted for the interview. While the interviews are likely to be held on Thursday, candidates had not received selection letters until Monday evening.

Several candidates complained about the whole process of V-C selection being conducted discreetly. "In the past few years, the top five names were declared before the interviews. This time, however, the entire process is being carried out with utmost secrecy," said one of the candidates.

Shinde might be asked to give a presentation and appear for the interview along with the other five shortlisted candidates, said sources in the government.

The three-member search committee, headed by renowned scientist K Kasturirangan, interviewed 32 candidates over Friday and Saturday, of which five were selected. The final five will be interviewed by the Governor, possibly on Thursday.