New VC search panel clarifies eligibility criteria

Vadodara: The search committee for a new vice-chancellor (VC) at MS University has received important information from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The committee's chairperson, Anish Mankad, wrote to the state education department about the UGC's clarification on the VC's eligibility criteria. Mankad, a retired IAS officer, explained that the search panel asked for clarification on February 18 regarding a specific rule in the UGC Regulations from 2018. The UGC responded, stating that a candidate must be a distinguished academician. This means they should have at least ten years of experience as a university professor or in a significant research or academic administration role. The candidate must also show academic leadership. The education department had earlier instructed the search committee to follow UGC standards and the Gujarat Public Universities Act from 2023 while selecting candidates for the VC role. They encouraged the committee to consult the UGC for any needed guidance on candidate eligibility or experience. This directive comes after a recent controversy. Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava, the previous MSU VC, resigned in January amid legal disputes over his appointment. In his letter, Mankad assured the education department that the search panel would strictly follow UGC regulations in their selection process.