Seeks rectification of anomalies in the composition of Search Committees

Mysore/Mysuru: Taking strong exception to violations of the provisions of the Karnataka State Universities (KSU)  Act – 2000 in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, the Forum of Former Vice-Chancellors of Karnataka (FVCK) has appealed the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of all State-run Universities, to rectify the anomalies in the composition of Search Committees constituted for empanelling suitable candidates for appointment as Vice-Chancellors.

In a memorandum submitted to Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Apr. 4, the Forum said that as a registered and responsible body of senior academics, it has highlighted several discrepancies, which needs to be rectified.

Quoting Section 14 (2) of the KSU Act-2000, the Forum contended that the State Government should constitute a Search Committee consisting of four persons of whom, one each shall be the nominee of the Chancellor, the UGC, the State Government and the Syndicate of the concerned University. It also pointed out that although there are clear guidelines in the provisions of Section (2) 14 of KSU Act-2000, they are being diluted on many occasions, with the nomination of a retired Professor, a sitting Professor, Principal/Dean of a College to the Search Committee for recommendation of names with regard to  VC appointment.

As such, the Forum requests to put an end to all such irregularities and give autonomy to Universities, as otherwise, the ambition of the Government to develop at least one University to global standards would remain as a dream, the memorandum said.

The FVCK also wanted the Government to allocate sufficient funds for day-to-day functioning of the Universities and as well to create posts judiciously and fill them up as per UGC norms. It also observed that establishment of institutions of a particular subject matter in the existing Universities and to empower them with more autonomy would be a better option than encouraging mushrooming of Mono-faculty Universities.