Change in appointment process of VCs sought

BANGALORE: Jnanpith awardee and former vice-chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, Chandrashekhar Kambar has called for changes in the way vice-chancellors of the universities are appointed. He was speaking at a round-table discussion organised by Shruth and Smith Foundation, which was attended by former VCs from all over the state. “We have been VCs and we know that the system has to change. As academicians, there is little we can do about politics. We must stay and work within our bounds by ignoring external forces,” said Kambar, who added that a “strong message had to be sent.”He continued, “I think a committee of eminent academicians should be formed and it has to be empowered to select VCs. Once this is done, we can see its results.”Former VC of University of  S N Hegde opined that the system of candidates “applying” for the VC’s post should be done with. “Nominations, and not applications, of desirous candidates should be forwarded by eminent educationists of high academic stature. Also, the Chancellor should have personal interactions with each shortlisted candidate to understand his/her visions and ideas,” he said. Many former VCs were also of the opinion that public feedback, including students, must be taken while appointing a VC. Member Secretary and Executive Director of Karnataka Knowledge Commission’s Secretary Prof M K Sridhar said that “disruptive measures” need to be taken to change the way things are. “The search committee should not comprise nominees of the Governor and  the government. Second, it has to be made transparent. Lastly, we need younger VCs. We should impose an age ban of 50 years,” he said.