Srinagar, Mar 20, KDC: The University of Kashmir (KU) is presently busy with what insiders satirically call “denting and painting” of the Varsity in view of the upcoming inspection by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), even as calls for constitution of search committee to find a new Vice Chancellor for the University are gaining momentum.
Sources told news-agency Kashmir Dot Com that the NAAC visit may happen somewhere around April-May, which is when the Vice Chancellor Prof Neelofar Khan’s three years tenure is coming to an end. She has already turned 65, which is considered to be the upper age limit for any State University VC to continue on the coveted position.
Allegations are rife that the NAAC visit, which was due six months earlier, was deliberately delayed “at the call of authorities” to enable the Vice Chancellor’s continuation beyond the expiry of her term on May 20, 2025 “under the pretext of NAAC inspection”.
“If you go around, lot of money is being lavishly spent on painting department buildings to paint a rosy picture of the University before NAAC team,” said senior academicians, wishing anonymity. They alleged that it is grossly illegal to allow the VC to undertake decisions involving financial matters at fag end of her tenure. “There has to be some accountability,” they said.
Academicians have already petitioned the Chancellor for appointment of search committee to find the new Vice Chancellor ahead of expiry of term of present VC so that academics, research and administration do not suffer due to any indecision.
“No doubt the University Act provides for VC to continue till new VC enters upon the office but this provision is outdated and requires a change, like several other provisions of the Act have changed over the years. New VC should be in place well ahead of expiry of term of the sitting VC,” the academicians have opined.
Source said the call for appointment of new VC is “legitimate” in view of the fact that even UGC chairman cannot continue in office beyond the age of 65 years.
“If the regulatory body chief cannot continue beyond 65, what’s the rationale to allow a VC to continue beyond this age limit,’ the academicians said, requesting LG Manoj Sinha to constitute the search committee in exercise of powers vested in him under the University Act. (KDC)
