After 3-year wait, Raju Hiwase is Nagpur University’s full-time registrar

NAGPUR: After a long wait of three years, Nagpur University (NU) finally got a full-time registrar in the form of Raju Hiwase on Tuesday. After his selection by the panel, the former finance and accounts officer (FAO) immediately took over the charge from Anil Hirekhan, who was looking after the additional charge.
Hiwase’s tenure as FAO had already ended, but he was granted a six-month extension in view of the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
The newly appointed registrar told TOI, “My focus will be on the digital transformation of the university, which is the dream of our vice-chancellor (VC) Subhash Chaudhari. Another target would be to achieve a top grade in National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s (NAAC) rating.”
He added, “Apart from these, I will work hard to fill up the several vacant posts in the university and also to promote research activities. The ultimate objective is to bring back the past glory of our historic institution and make it the most sought-after in Central India at the end of my tenure.”
A total of 38 candidates applied for the post from all over Maharashtra, of which 10 withdrew their applications on the first day of interviews on Monday. Along with Hiwase, even Hirekhan was a front runner for the post. Other strong contenders were Shyam Koreti, Vijay Bansod, Sangita Lohi, Ashok Khobragade, and one teacher from Pune.
Ever since Puran Meshram demitted the registrar’s office in 2018 after the end of his five-year tenure, the appointment process for the post was often marred into one or the other controversy.
Earlier, the charge was handed over to former exam controller Neeraj Khaty, who was later appointed full-time registrar by former VC SP Kane in 2019 after conducting interviews. However, Khaty refused to join after Shikshan Manch, one of the dominant players in NU politics, allegedly forced Kane to appoint its candidate, as per NU officials.