SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, September 16: The functioning of Kolhan University (KU) Chaibasa, Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) Dumka, and Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) Hazaribagh has been significantly hampered due to the prolonged absence of regular vice-chancellors.
Vacant Vice-Chancellor posts
The position of regular vice-chancellor at Kolhan University has been vacant for 16 months following Dr. Gangadhar Panda’s retirement in May 2023. Currently, the Kolhan Division Commissioner is overseeing the university’s administration.
Similarly, SKMU Dumka has been without a regular vice-chancellor since June 2023, after Dr. Sona Jharia Minz completed her term. Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vimal Prasad is temporarily managing the responsibilities but must seek permission from Ranchi for decisions.
VBU Hazaribagh has also been operating without a regular vice-chancellor for the past 14 months, since Dr. Mukul Narayan Deo’s term ended in June 2023.
Appeals for action from Governor
The teachers’ associations from KU and SKMU have reached out to the Chancellor (Governor) to address the issue. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, President of the KU Teachers Association, and Dr. Santosh Kumar Sil, President of the SKMU Teachers Association, have both urged for the appointment of a regular vice-chancellor. They argue that the universities are effectively paralyzed without proper leadership.
Dr. Binod Ranjan, General Secretary of the VBU Hazaribagh Teachers Association, has stated that they will present a memorandum to the Chancellor when he visits Hazaribagh on September 17 for the university’s Foundation Day.
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Concerns over leadership and functionality
The lack of regular vice-chancellors has led to the dysfunction of critical university committees and processes.
The commissioner is the administrator while the university needs an academic person to solve the problems.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh highlighted that, apart from routine tasks, significant policy matters and essential functions such as senate meetings, finance committees, and convocation ceremonies have been neglected. He said a senate meeting has not been held in the last three years.
He suggested that KU might need to be managed by a vice-chancellor from another university if the appointment of a new regular vice-chancellor is delayed.
Pending appointments and comparisons
Teachers from all the three universities are also surprised by the prompt appointment of a regular vice-chancellor at Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University (BBMKU) Dhanbad, despite Dr. Sukdeo Bhoi’s sacking in October 2023. Professor Ram Kumar Singh was appointed as the new vice-chancellor in July 2024, while the appointments for the other three universities remain pending.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Sil mentioned that a delegation will meet the Chancellor during his visit to Dumka on September 24 for the university’s convocation, seeking the appointment of a regular vice-chancellor.
All senior positions at the university, including the proctor and finance officer, remain unfilled by regular officers. This lack of permanent leadership is likely to impact the university’s overall functioning and efficiency.
