The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has set in motion the process for selection of the next vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The HRD ministry has sent a letter to the university registrar asking him to initiate the process so that the new V-C can assume office when the present V-C,Professor PK Abdul Azis,demits the office. Professor Azis will be retiring on January 12,2012 after attainment of the age of 65 years. As less than six months are now left in the tenure of Prof Azis,President Pratibha Patil,in her capacity of AMUs Visitor,has refrained him from making any appointment and promotion or taking any policy decision which may have long-term financial or other implications on the executive and academic functioning of the university. At present,the AMUs executive council has 16 members and vice-chancellor Prof Azis is its chairman. AMU spokesperson Rahat Abrar confirmed that the HRD ministry has sent a letter to the university registrar in this regard. He said that the ministry has asked the registrar to call a meeting of the executive council and draw the requisite panel of names for the next V-C. University officials said that the executive council members will recommend names for the next V-C and shortlist five of them. The council will send these five names to the ministry to seek the Visitors permission to call a meeting of the University Court,the supreme governing body of AMU. From the panel of five,the University Court will shortlist three names and send them to the President,who will select one of them as the next V-C. University authorities said that the issue needs immediate attention as the process of selection of V-C takes five to six months. Professor Azis,an eminent marine scientist,had assumed the office of vice-chancellor on June 10,2007. During his tenure,Prof Azis remained in controversies following allegations of irregularities against him. The university was closed sine die three times in the first four years of his term.
