UAS Dharwad waits for vice-chancellor

DHARWAD: The University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, which has jurisdiction over seven districts of North Karnataka is waiting for a regular vice-chancellor.
The university covers Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura and Uttar Kannada districts. The UAS Dharwad has played a major role in helping the farmers in taking up modern agriculture practices. The varsity administration is getting hampered due to delay in appointing a regular VC.
The incumbent VC, professor M B Chetti, demitted office three months ago after his term ended. Professor R Basavarajappa was appointed the acting VC. He has limited powers and cannot take major decisions.
Ideally the government should have started the process of selecting a new VC much before the term of the incumbent ends and ensure that the new VC takes charge immediately. However, that has not happened and there was a delay in constituting a search committee.
More than 30 academicians aspiring for the post had submitted their details. Sources said the committee, headed by former VC of UAS, Bengaluru, MN Sheelavantar, shortlisted three names and submitted it to the agriculture minister. It must reach the chancellor’s office through the CM’s office. Raj Bhavan must issue the appointment.
Sources said the list has names of professor G S Hilli, special officer at seeds’ unit at UAS Dharwad, professor P L Patil, research director and chief librarian professor H B Babalad.
On rumours of money playing a role in appointments of VCs, a former VC said the government should appoint an able person in a transparent manner.