Steps are taken in Jharkhand only when they become utmost urgent, they say. Be it a matter of recruitment for top posts in higher educational institutions or filling vacancies at the primary education level.
Apparently perturbed with the delay in VC appointment in four State run universities the top authorities are finally taking some initiatives now.
In order to streamline the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) and Pro-Vice Chancellors (Pro-VCs) for few of the state universities, Governor Dr Syed Ahmed has asked the State Human Resources Development department to make amendments in Jharkhand State Universities Act 2000.
A committee under HRD Principal Secretary K Vidyasagar and Higher Education Director DN Ojha for this “change” held the first meeting at MDI building on Monday.
According to sources, keeping the present higher education system of the State in mind, Governor wants a change in most of the regulations of this Act.
“Our recommendations for this amendment will be drafted and then submitted to the Governor. It is a time taking process,” a member of this committee said on the condition of anonymity.
“Besides, VC appointment matter the members are expected to make changes in the recruitment process for vacant positions of College Principals and around 1000 vacancies for the state universities including Assistant Professor, Professor and Readers. The promotion of university teachers is another point,” he said.
Notably, members of this committee include Former Ranchi University (RU) Vice Chancellors (VC) AA Khan and KK Nag along with RU VC lN Bhagat.
Sources said that both Vidyasagar and Ojha were called by Chief Secretary (CS) Sajal Chakraborty after this meeting. An HRD department official said, “The meeting was held from 1 pm to 3:30 pm and immediately our senior officers were called by CS. We are not aware of the purpose.”
The VC appointment for Kolhan University (KU), Vinoba Bhave University (VBU), Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) and Nilamber Pitamber University (NPU) are on a halt since long due to State HRD minister Geetashree Oraon’s objection on formation of “search committee” for this process which is against the guidelines of JSU Act 2000. Also, it includes the appointment of VBU Pro-VC.
According to a section of academicians and experts, after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ram Tawakya Singh Vs State of Bihar and others it will be difficult to fill the posts without amending the Jharkhand State Universities Act 2000, which does not mention formation of search committee at all in its provisions and also does not emphasize on the eligibility criteria for the posts of VCs and Pro VCs.