Post Timol issue, HoDs on tenterhooks at VNSGU

Surat: From the time Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) authorities appointed a reader as the head of department (HOD) of mathematics faculty superseding a senior professor, at least six other HODs are on tenterhooks. They fear losing their posts any day now, ever since the VNSGU bosses decided to overthrow the seniority criteria in selection of candidates for the coveted post.
Mathematics department’s senior-most teacher M G Timol, who has to his credit the longest teaching career in the department, was recently sidelined by the varsity which appointed a reader, as the HOD. Timol, who is due to retire next year, enjoys an excellent academic record in spite of which he was ‘subjected’ to a ‘bias decision’, buzz in the academic circles claims. However, this decision by the varsity has created panic among the other HODs who are qualified, but are similar rules on the job like Timol. It should be noted that Timol was promoted as professor under career advancement scheme (CAS) while Dilip Joshi was a direct appointee.

VNSGU officials claimed that an inquiry committee headed by pro-vice chancellor, Bhaskar Rawal, found Joshi senior and eligible for the post of HOD. “A teacher promoted under CAS is not promoted actually. It is an arrangement to give benefit of experience to the teacher concerned, but CAS appointees are always junior to direct recruits,” said Rawal.

However, miffed HODs think otherwise. “Top university officials did injustice to the senior-most professor just to promote a person who is from their ‘political’ camp in power at VNSGU. We are working under psychological pressure due to interference of these elements,” an HOD alleged.

Senior syndicate member Sanjay Desai made multiple representations at various levels in university, state and central government and also in National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on the issue. Many senators supported Desai and objected to the appointment. Rakesh Desai, head of department of English in VNSGU, also demanded that Timol be made the HOD and objected to Joshi’s appointment.