UGC relaxes norms for selection of vice-chancellors in state universities

Updated on: Monday, October 15, 2012

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to relax norms for selection of vice-chancellors in state universities . UGC chairman Ved Prakash said on Sunday the move followed requests from several state governments to ease the standards.

There has been speculation for more than a month now that selection norms would be relaxed . He said from now , selections norms prescribed by the UGC will not be mandatory for the state-run universities . Speaking at the 75th convocation of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Madras in the city , Prakash said it was the responsibility of the state to maintain quality and transparency in theVC-selection process .

The present UGC norms insist that a VC candidate shouldbe an academician with a minimum of ten yearsexperience as professor in a university system or 10 years of experience in an equivalent position in a reputed research and /or academic administrative organization . With the recent move , these norms would no more be mandatory .

Refusing to comment on allegations that political interference plays a major role in appointment to VC posts , Prakash said the decision was taken because several states had sought freedom in carrying out appointment of university heads . He, however , he refused to clarify if there was a request from the TamilNadu government .

Senior professors and academics in the state say the move will only facilitate more corruption . Tamil Nadu , for instance , has a dubious record in VC selection over the last decade . Recently , a VC seeking favours fell at the feet of a politician . Another was suspended on corruption charges .In a third instance , a VC's residence was raided by anti-corruption sleuths.

A Narayanan , an academician who has filed several petitions seeking transparency in the appointments of VCs and registrars in the state universities said the reason for relaxing norms remains unknown . "We've had VCs who knew how to find their way to the top post overnight . They are either relatives of politicians or someone from a dominant caste . When money , caste and political power decides VCs and registrar posts , UGC relaxation will further decay thesystem ," he said .

Ved Prakash refuted reports of cancelling the autonomy of Madras Christian College . "MCC has submitted all the documents we sought for verification andthe autonomy was put on hold only till we complete the verification process ," he said .

UGC relaxes norms for selection of vice-chancellors in state universities

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