Pro VC, a threat to VC’s position?

University chancellor K Sankarnarayanan has issued a letter to all the state universities to fill up the vacant post of pro vice-chancellors (VC).

The letter is important against the backdrop of the fact that out of 12 universities in the state, 10 are yet to fill up the post.
Interestingly, Pune university too has not appointed a pro VC for a long time now. Vice-chancellor WN Gade refused to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, senior senate member Gajanan Ekbote said, “The glitch in appointing a pro VC is that it is a threat to the VC’s chair. VC is the academic and administrative head of the varsity, while a pro VC preferably looks after the administrative work. In the absence of VC, it can also take over the charge.”

“Appointing a pro VC means creating another centre of power in the varsity. Although, it is a statutory post and the state issues its salary, many vice-chancellors prefer to keep the post vacant, said Ekbote. A Pro VC is of great help as the person can take off the administrative responsibilities from the VC so that he/she can concentrate more on academic work,” elaborated Ekbote.

Another senate member Arunkumar Walunj said, “For a long time, we have been demanding for the appointment of a pro VC, which is yet to happen. Barring during the period of Arun Adsool, who was acting VC from June 2009 to March 2010.” Walunj too said that a pro VC is viewed as a power centre and thus there is reluctance to appoint one.