UoP officials,Gade differ on pro V-C appointment

“Almost all universities in the state have a pro V-C except UoP. Of late,UoP has come under fire for the examination revaluation scam. UoP,which has around 650 colleges and 250 institutes under its wings,has a huge task at hand. It is not humanly possible for the V-C to manage everything. It is pertinent a pro V-C is appointed soon,” a senior official said.

V-C WN Gade said the appointment of a pro V-C and the issues of UoP were not connected. “I do not think there is any correlation between the problems of the university and the appointment of pro V-C. Since last year,university has been doing well in all sections. There were some problems in the beginning,but it was handled well. All the results are on time and we have a number of publications and research work going on. Secondly,yes there is a provision of appointing a pro

V-C in universities Act. At the moment there is no need to have one. But I will take a decision when the need arises,” Gade said.

However,senior academic council members do not agree.

“Let us take the examination department for instance. The revaluation scam is yet to die down. None of the results are declared on time. There were security issues last year. The hostels also have their share of problems,” an official said.

“The university must appoint a pro V-C. The person must be experienced. Moreover,since V-C is from the university,it will be great to have a person from one of the affiliated colleges as pro V-C.” he added.

Nandakumar Nikam,President,principal’s forum,UoP said,“A college principal has an understanding of administrative capabilities needed to become a pro V-C. The person appointed must have the requisite experience and someone who has handled several key issues at the college level. Although V-C hasn’t approached us as yet,we will recommend some names. At present,there are no names in the reckoning.”