Acdemic fraternity sees political angle in new VC’s appointment

Nagpur: Nagpur University’s new vice-chancellor Subhash Chaudhari’s appointment has fuelled speculations about it being a “political one” made after surpassing “meritorious” candidates. Senior academicians said the speculations were confirmed after Chaudhari’s Sunday meeting with Union minister Nitin Gadkari accompanied by Shikshan Manch members.
TOI on Sunday had reported on how the academic fraternity was surprised over chancellor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s choice. They termed Kalpana Pande, coordinator of Shikshan Manch, an offshoot of RSS, as brain behind Chaudhari’s appointment.
A senior academician challenged all those involved in the appointment process of putting curriculum vitae of all five candidates in public domain. “They will be exposed instantly. Among them, Sunil Bhagwat, professor at Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, had 49 patents and rich experience in a renowned institution,” he said.
Denying the charges Pande, who accompanied the VC to Gadkari’s home, questioned those doubting chancellor’s choice. “Are they questioning credentials of search committee headed by a retired high court judge or the chancellor? When this panel selects top five candidates, all remain on equal footing. No one is inferior or superior,” she said.
Defending Chaudhari’s appointment, she said his competitors may have more number of PhD candidates under them but they were in university departments and had more opportunities to guide them. “On the other hand, NU hardly allowed private colleges to become PhD centres or guide students. These academicians never raised a voice when the entire search panel was cancelled at the behest of a former President of India to accommodate one candidate from Amravati for VC’s post,” she told TOI claiming that all previous appointments were indeed political ones but not this.
Endorsing her, Chaudhari said there was nothing wrong in visiting friends or relatives. "I keep meeting Gadkari regularly as he has many ideas on innovation and research. I had been meeting many others since July 30 when I was interviewed by the VC search panel. Besides, I started working from Monday so my visit can't be considered official," he told TOI adding that he didn't use the official car and was yet to shift to VC’s official residence.
"I also had planned to visit Deekshabhoomi before the first day of work but it was closed. I spent quality time at Mozri and got new insights about Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj after whom NU is named,” Chaudhari said.
One more academician told TOI he had an inkling of Chaudhari’s appointment when the latter was suddenly appointed officiating pro-VC. “Chaudhari was not very well known in academic circles and his appointment as pro-VC surprised us. The second surprise came on Saturday with his appointment to the top post. Shikshan Manch members actually wanted a puppet VC, who would act on their diktat. Deshpande would never have done that being a senior and man of integrity. Obviously, he was sidelined. Now, you will see how all Manch members would be seen at top posts like registrar and others,” he said.
# What academicians claim:
* Nowadays all appointments in education sector are political
* New VC Subhash Chaudhari selection is on the same lines
* He lacks experience compared to four other candidates
* Shikshan Manch played a key role in his appointment
* It wanted puppet VC who will listen to their diktat
* Manch will have a say in all NU appointments