Delhi University might get its new Vice Chancellor earlier than expected with the search-cum-screening committee of three members having met and discussed a few names for the post. Sources told The Pioneer that many have applied for the highest post of the varsity and the committee has discussed some names to be shortlisted in the next meeting.
The three members who are in the committee include Chairman of University Grants Commission, Ved Prakash, former CAG Vinod Rai and former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission D P Agrawal.
The committee is likely to meet soon post Diwali to shortlist the names and decide on starting the process of appointing the new vice chancellor, said sources.
The formation of the committee was delayed due to the controversy over the nomination of former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan with objections from Ministry of Human Resource and Development.
The argument for removing him from committee was that he was the honorary professor at the university and it could lead to “conflict of interest”. This controversy was stretched while the former DU Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh was still holding the position. later, Kasturirangan was replaced by nominating Agrawal who was approved by President Pranab Mukherjee. Due to this, the appointment of the vice chancellor was predicted to be late.
However, the early meeting of the committee has suggested that the process would be started soon.
“After Diwali, the final name would be shortlisted and sent to the President for his approval. While, it is yet to be decided that by when it would be declared,” said the source.