Srinagar, Mar 14, KDC: With the three-year term of Kashmir University (KU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Neelofer Khan nearing its end, clamour has grown louder for the constitution of a search committee to find the new head of the Valley’s highest chair of learning.
Prof Neelofer Khan’s tenure ends on May 20 this year. She has already turned 65 years, which is considered to be the upper age limit for any Vice-Chancellor of a State university to be considered for the coveted position.
Insiders say the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is the Chancellor of the University, should constitute the search committee under the provision of the University Act in anticipation of the culmination of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
“This would save time and enable the appointment of the new Chancellor by May itself,” a KU academician, wishing anonymity, told Kashmir Dot Com. “Delaying appointment of new VC beyond May 2025 would mean a powerless VC at helm and, in turn, negative impact on functioning of the University’s academic and administrative affairs.”
Sources say the clamour for new VC has grown in the wake of “some clandestine attempts” being made to have the incumbent Vice Chancellor to continue beyond her tenure “under the pretext of impending visit of NAAC peer team to the University.”
“The NAAC inspection of the University was due for the last six months, but it was deliberately delayed till April-May to enable continuation of incumbent Vice Chancellor beyond May 20 using this as a pretext,” the sources alleged. “This sets a wrong precedent for other universities as well, where similar tricks can be played out tomorrow.”
Academicians of the University have already voiced concern over continuation of Prof Neelofer Khan beyond January 1, 2025 when she turned 65.
“Even UGC chairman cannot continue beyond 65 years. We fail to understand how a VC of a state university is allowed to do so,” the academicians asked, demanding immediate constitution of the search committee to start the process for appointment of the new Vice Chancellor. (KDC)