Surat: Six months have passed since the term of last regular vice-chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) had ended and the state government is yet to appoint a successor to the highest post in the varsity that caters to the largest tribal belt of the state.
VC Shivendra Gupta’s three-year term ended in August 2020 and currently, the affairs are being run by an in-charge VC, Hemali Desai. Gupta’s term remained controversial and no recruitment had been made on administrative or academic posts then.
Various other key posts too are lying vacant for years, including the second most important post in the varsity, pro vice-chancellor, has been vacant for the past three years. The posts of university registrar, chief of administrative staff have been vacant for five years now, while chief librarian, deputy librarian, deputy registrar, chief accounting officer, deputy accountant and two auditors’ posts have not been filled up for years together.
The list doesn’t end there. Other important posts like NSS coordinator, deputy director of youth and welfare as well as coaches in different sports have remained unoccupied for long.
“Total 70 administrative staff posts are vacant. When university had 30 affiliated colleges we had 300 staff members but now, when the number of affiliated colleges is 300 the regular staff is just 80,” a senior university official told TOI. In a majority of these vacant positions, contractual employees have been working.
“The university that serves such a large area should have a regular VC. If the in-charge VC is good, then she should be appointed as regular or any other eligible VC should be appointed. But as per my knowledge, the VC appointment committee is yet to submit the three final names to the government,” said Suryakant Shah, a veteran academician.
Those in key bodies of the university are also worried over the delay in appointments. “The university that has 300 affiliated colleges should have a regular VC. We are hopeful of a qualified VC who can promote research work in the university,” said Sanjay Desai, a syndicate member, VNSGU.
Saying that the issue will be resolved soon, BJP state president C R Paatil said, “The appointment of a VC got delayed pehaps due tothe polls, but the committee is likely to finalise the names in a few days. I will try and ensure that other important posts too get filled up soon.”