Utkal Univ VC to retire today, no clarity on next incumbent so far

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 1:

With the vice chancellor of Utkal University Prof Prasant Kumar Sahu superannuating today, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central Range SUtkal Univ Vani ViharK Basisth will temporarily take charge of the vacant post tomorrow, sources in the university said.

It may be recalled that a meeting of the Search Committee formed by the Governor and Chancellor of Universities, had shortlisted eight senior professors for the post of vice chancellor of the Utkal University.

The three-member committee, comprising RK Chouhan, UGC nominee Prof Dinesh Singh and Syndicate nominee Prof KC Mishra, on April 28 had called eight senior professors—Prof Samson Maharana, department of Commerce, Prof Satyaban Jena, department of Chemistry, Prof Anup Das, department of Sociology, Prof Hemant Patra, department of Botany (all from Utkal University), Prof Simalchal Panigrahi of NIT, Rourkela, Prof Prakash Sarangi of Central University, Andhra Pradesh, Prof Amarendra Mishra, department of Botany, Jharkhand University and Ashok Das of Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC)— for an interview.

Prior to the interview, the committee had asked these eight nominees to submit a 10-year plan report on the development of Utkal University and quality education to its students.

However, the committee did not recommend the name of any professor as it was not satisfied with their reports during the 4-hour interview.

The committee, later unanimously decided to take a final decision in the matter of selection of the vice chancellor in consultation with the Governor who happens to be the Chancellor of Universities.

The sources, however, said the committee has short-listed the name of three professors.

“Since no decision could be taken up at the meeting, the committee has sought permission from the Chancellor for another round of meeting. In case there is no further meeting, we have decided to recommend the name of the three professors we have shortlisted”, said a member of the Committee.

Meanwhile, the final interview for the appointment of vice chancellor of North Odisha University (NOU) would be held this evening.

The Governor (Chancellor) who returned from his South Korea tour yesterday would be taking a final call on this, sources said.

The Chancellor would name and appoint the new vice chancellor after consulting the present NOU VC Prof Sanghamitra Mohanty, Prof Prafulla Mishra and Prof Sushil Dutta, sources said, adding, the Chancellor is most likely to take a decision on the appointment of new VC of Utkal University by the last week of May.

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  1. Prof A K P C Swain says

    Utkal university VC appointment: It is interesting to note that the search committee could not find a suitable candidate for the post of VC of the utkal university when there were 97 aspirants for the post,as reported.This shows how deficient our Professors are to hold the coveted post.Most of them have desire to extend te period of retirement to another three years, without having the capability to run the university’s academic administration.The honourable Chancellor should appoint a VC for a period of one year and then extend the period if the performances are found satisfactory.Appointing a non-deserving candidate for three years would further devastate the status of Utkal University.Further the Chancellor should make public the inquiry reports of HK Panda and Tarunkanti Mishra and make an impartial inquiry into the present ills of the Utkal university. Lobbying and corrupt practices should be avoided in the selection process as have been alleged in the past.Investigations against the former VC Mr Pandav Nayak should be completed as early as possible since it is lying unattended for last ten years, with mystery surrounding the episode. A k p c Swain,Geneva,Switzerland

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