GIPE in direct violation to UGC stipulations on Deemed to be Universities: Dr Debroy

Dr Bibek Debroy, who recently resigned as Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), in order to distance himself from the ongoing controversy regarding termination of Dr Ajit Ranade, in a letter to Chairman of University Grants Commission Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, said the institute now stands in direct violation to UGC stipulations on Deemed to be Universities.

In the letter dated September 26, Debroy wrote to Kumar, “As you know, I had terminated Dr Ajit Ranade as vice chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. Dr Ajit Ranade filed a writ petition in Bombay High Court which has granted him a stay. In my view, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics now stands in direct violation to UGC stipulations on Deemed to be Universities. It is for you and UGC to decide on how you will act on this matter. As for me, since the stay obtained by Dr Ajit Ranade violates my order, I have decided to step down as Chancellor of GIPE with immediate effect.

Ranade was issued a termination letter by Chancellor Bibek Debroy after a fact finding committee discovered that his candidature does not conform to the established norms set forth by UGC guidelines.

Debroy, who was appointed Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) chancellor in July, resigned from the position only three months into the tenure.