Among the 36 candidates shortlisted to be interviewed for the post of vice-chancellor (VC) of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), 30 candidates, including in charge VC Dr K N Chavda, have appeared for their interview before the state-appointed search committee since Wednesday. After the implementation of the Gujarat Public University Act, 2023, the state had appointed a committee comprising Gujarat University V-C Dr Neerja Gupta, National Forensic Science University V-C Dr J N Vyas and North Eastern Hill University V-C Prabha Shanker Shukla, to fill the vacant post of VNSGU V-C. In all, applications were received from 51 candidates for the post, of which the committee shortlisted 36 for interview on Wednesday and Thursday. Among the 16 candidates called for interview on Wednesday, 13 appeared before the committee. They included Dr K N Chawda, former Pro V-C of VNSGU Dr Jayesh Deshkar and Dr Ashwin Patel, Principal of Navyug Science College in Surat, among others. On Thursday, 17 candidates, including Surat's MTB Arts and Science College Principal Dr Pruthul Desai and Vapi's C D Jhobalia Rofel Arts and Commerce College Principal Dr Hemaliben Desai, took part in the interview process. Dr K N Chavda was appointed as VNSGU V-C on May 1, 2021 and his three-year term had ended April 30, 2024. On May 1, 2024, he was appointed as in charge V-C till further orders. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “When I was first appointed as V-C, I simply submitted my application and details as per the criteria. But now the government has adopted a new procedure to appoint vice-chancellors. In the interview, we had to give presentations.” According to VNSGU officials, the committee will take at least 10 days to announce the name of the new V-C.
