Selection of Vice Chancellors should be strictly a-political

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K S Venkataraman

07 April, 2011

Vice Chancellors occupy critical positions in Indian universities. Their selection should be only based on merit and leadership qualities, and should be entirely divorced from political..

IN OUR system of higher education, Vice-Chancellors have a crucial role to play. First of all, they have to be men of honesty and integrity; and should be able to inculcate sound value system in the youngsters getting degrees from their universities.

Its these youngsters who in turn are expected to improve the standard of behavior and provide leadership in various areas of public life.

Secondly, they should be men of dedication and accomplishments and should inspire youngsters coming to them for gaining knowledge and attain recognition in academic and research fields.

Then, they should also be skilled in administration and human relations; and should establish goodwill and cooperation in the various departments under their control.

Only such persons can contribute to the noble missions of our universities and enhance their reputation. Only noble, meritorious scholars would be able to guide the students and researchers coming to them to succeed. They should be able to inspire the youth to work hard, achieve great missions and serve the mankind.

India has seen great men who have commanded respect and achieved excellence in various fields of higher education and research; and made the country proud.

But in recent times politicians have played havoc with the system by their narrow vision, selfishness and corruption. They have brought down the image of many a university by allegedly installing their cronies as Vice-Chancellors and spoiling the sacred atmosphere that should prevail in any educational / research institution.

The situation has reached such ugly proportions that it has forced Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resources Development (MHRD), himself an active politician. to say: “Vice-Chancellors are appointed at the instance of the political establishment. This must end. If we really want our system to thrive, then the academic world should be left free to its own devices in the hope that you create a future for the country.”

We should free the educational institutions from the hands of corrupt politicians and restore the ancient glory of India in the field of higher education and research.

If necessary, the Acts of State Universities should be amended prescribing the qualifications, experience., etc, of their Vice-Chancellors, and also specify the method of recruitment for these important positions.