Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 18: The University of Jammu is likely to get a full-fledged Vice-Chancellor very soon as the process to look for a suitable candidate for the top post, has been set into motion.
The maiden meeting of the Search Committee, constituted by Governor N N Vohra, is scheduled to be held on November 20 at New Delhi for preliminary discussion on the modalities for inviting applications from the aspirants, highly placed official sources informed the Excelsior.
The three-member Search Committee, headed by Arun Nagvekar, former Vice-Chancellor of the Pune University and Ex-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), was constituted last week by Governor N N Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of Jammu University, sources added.
Prof B B Bhattacharya, former Vice-Chancellor of Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU) and senior IAS officer, R P Aggarwal, who has retired as Secretary in the Human Resource Development Ministry, are other two members of the Search panel.
Pertinent to mention here that consequent upon sudden resignation of Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar as then Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof R D Sharma was given the charge of VC on October 31 pursuant to the approval accorded by Governor-cum-Chancellor.
Since Prof Ishar relinquished the charge of Vice-Chancellor around three months prior to completion of his tenure, Prof Sharma was asked to carry out the duties of JU VC till new appointment for the top post is made.
Setting the process of looking for new Vice-Chancellor into motion, the Governor ordered constitution of a Search Committee last week and a formal communiqué in this regard was also sent to each member of the panel for their respective consent, sources explained.
Following the consent of all three members, including its Chairperson, first meeting of the Search Committee has been scheduled on November 20 for a preliminary discussion on the agenda.
According to the sources, after a preliminary discussion, the Search panel is likely to invite applications from eligible candidates for the top post. After scrutiny of the candidates’ resume, the Search Committee will shortlist the applicants according to their experience as well as other qualification for an interview. On the basis of interview and other criteria, a final panel of three-four candidates will be submitted to the Governor for a final selection as the Vice-Chancellor, sources explained.
The entire process is likely to be completed within two months and a full-fledged Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University may assume charge by ending January, sources hint.
The incumbent Incharge Vice-Chancellor R D Sharma among a number of senior Professors in Jammu University are likely to apply for the top post. Since several aspirants from other varsities across the country may also be in the race, the demand for a local VC is likely to gain momentum in the forthcoming days.
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