For the first time in the 50-year-history of the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Governor and Chancellor of universities Dr SC Jamir has taken a significant decision by forming a Search Committee (SC) for appointment of a new OUAT Vice-Chancellor as the tenure of incumbent VC Prof Manoranjan Kar would end onMarch 17.
The State Government has never taken attempt to amend the OUAT Act in this line although formation of a Search Committee was necessary for selection of VC as per the Indian Council of Agriculture and Research (ICAR) and University Grants Commission (UGC) guideline.
Due the absence of SC, many persons having bad track record had bagged the coveted post earlier.
Now, two PIl were pending at the Orissa High Court regarding the appointment of OUAT VC. Under this circumstance, the decision of the Chancellor seems to be corrective one.
Meanwhile, sources said there were 28 applications were received and 19 were shortlisted. They would be called before the SC on March 11 and 12, sources said. Many persons, who too applied during the last time, also submitted applications this time.
Sources added that the incumbent VC Manoranjan Kar too has applied this time too for a second term against whom an FIR was lodged at the Khandagiri police station by a lawyer in connection with the alleged irregular drawl of pension.
However, litigations were pending at the Orissa HC relating to the cadre of the university VC as the same post is not a university post.
Regarding forwarding of names of the internal candidates (applicants of the OUAT), the approval of Board of Management may be necessary which is the appointing authority of professors.
Now, the Search Committee has to go into details on provisions of service conditions before the appointment of new VC is finalised.
However, the option of the Chancellor for management of the university still remains open through bureaucrats till a suitable amendment in the Act and statute is made.