Five universities in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai University and Kamaraj University, have vacant Vice-Chancellor posts, with some vacancies lasting over a year.
Delays in appointments are due to changes in the selection procedure and a conflict between Governor R.N Ravi and the Tamil Nadu government, particularly after the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new rule requiring a UGC representative on the selection committee. This has stalled the appointment process across multiple universities.
The absence of Vice-Chancellors in universities is causing significant disruptions, particularly in areas such as student welfare, research, and key financial decisions. The lack of leadership affects not only students and teachers but also delays appointments to important bodies like the Syndicate and Senate. To resolve these issues, the immediate appointment of Vice-Chancellors is essential. Filling the vacancies in the five universities, as well as addressing the extended posts in two others, is crucial for the benefit of students and the overall functioning of the institutions.
Therefore, the state governor, R.N Ravi, who is also the chancellor of the universities, should join hands with the Tamil Nadu government to find a solution. The Tamil Nadu government should also re-introduce its efforts.
Laxity in appointing Vice-Chancellors is causing distress to the students of higher education. Shouldn't the barriers be broken in whatever form they may come in?