MU set to miss November 30 deadline: Elections to appoint governing bodies not likely before February, say officials

“We will write to the state higher and technical education department seeking an extension,” said a senior varsity official on condition of anonymity. “Currently, the focus is on streamlining examinations and evaluations. Moreover, most senior positions are held by officiating members. We want to ensure that the elections are held in a fair and just manner,” said the official.

Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to temporarily nominate members to the governing bodies to facilitate functioning of the university.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Devanand Shinde, will now nominate members to the governing bodies and the nominations will be valid till the time a full-time V-C is appointed.

“The nominations will be ad hoc until a full-time V-C takes charge. The new V-C, when appointed, will have the chance to nominate members of his/ her choice,” said the official.

A final inspection of the draft electoral roll is underway and the elections would be held for five constituencies — university graduates, college teachers, university teachers, principals and management.

The university is also planning to seek help from the state Election Commission to conduct fair elections.

“We are requesting the election commissioner to nominate a retired official from the department who can work as an advisor to the university during the elections,” said the official.

The retired official will act as an advisor and knowledge partner to the registrar, who is in charge of the elections at
the university.