Appointment of VC

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court overturned the Madras High Court stay on Tamil Nadu’s Vice Chancellor appointment laws, directing a fresh hearing within a reasonable time for the state.

• A vice chancellor (VC) is the chief executive and academic head of a university.
• Qualifications – Distinguished academic or professional with demonstrated leadership and administrative capabilities.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in one of the following,
  • Professor in a Higher Education Institution (HEI).
  • Senior-level in reputed research/academic or administrative organizations.
  • Senior-level in industry, public administration, public policy, or PSUs.
• Selection Process – Advertised in all-India newspapers; applications may come via nomination or talent search.
• A search cum Selection Committee constituted by the Chancellor/Visitor (President).
• Search cum Selection Committee – Chairperson – A nominee of the Visitor (President for Central Universities) or Chancellor (Governor for State Universities) leads the committee.
• Members – A nominee of the UGC chairman.
• A nominee of the apex body of the university, such as Syndicate/ Senate/Executive Council/Board of Management.
• The committee must include eminent persons not connected to the university; it recommends a panel of 3–5 names.
• Mandatory for all universities under Central, Provincial, or State Acts.
• Appointment Process – State Universities – Appointed by the Chancellor (Governor) in consultation with the State Government.
• Central Universities – Appointed by the Visitor (President).
• Tenure –
  • Central Universities – 5 years or until age 70.
  • State Universities – 3 years or until age 70.
• Eligible for a second term.
• First VC term determined by Chancellor/Visitor.
• Salary – State Universities – Pay and allowances are determined by the State Government.
• Central Universities – Pay and allowances are decided by the Visitor (President) in consultation with the Central Government.
• Vacancy & Resignation – Permanent vacancy – Permanent vacancy is filled by the Chancellor or Visitor, with interim arrangements made.
• Temporary vacancy – Reported by Registrar to Chancellor or Visitor, and stop-gap arrangement advised by Government
• Resignation – VC may resign with 60 days’ notice, and the effective date will be determined by the Chancellor or Visitor.
• Role – Principal academic, administrative, and executive officer.
• Overall supervision and control over University affairs.
• Can take immediate action in urgent matters and report to the relevant Authority, Board, or Chancellor.
• Can require Authorities to review actions or orders and refer to the Board or the Chancellor if unresolved.

References

1. IE | Vice-Chancellor
2. New IE | Vice-Chancellor