SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Jan 2: Vice-Chancellor of Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT), Ranchi, Dr DK Singh has been given the additional charge of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU), Ranchi, making him responsible for four universities at present. However, sources indicated that the arrangement is purely stopgap, as the process of appointing regular vice-chancellors is at an advanced stage.
Currently, Dr DK Singh serves as the regular Vice-Chancellor of JUT Ranchi. In addition, he is serving as Vice-Chancellor in charge of Ranchi University (RU) and Acting Vice-Chancellor of DSPMU Ranchi.
Experience across multiple universities
Dr Singh earlier served as the first Vice-Chancellor of Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University (BBMKU), Dhanbad, where he was appointed Protem VC in 2017 when the university was set up in November that year. He continued in the position until May 2018, when regular VC Dr Anjani Kumar Srivastava took charge.
A former Director of BIT Sindri, Dr Singh was appointed regular Vice-Chancellor of Jharkhand University of Technology in July 2023, a position he continues to hold.
On July 30, 2025, he was given the additional charge of Vice-Chancellor of Ranchi University, which he continues alongside his other responsibilities.
Rare distinction, but limited to routine affairs
While the arrangement has given Dr Singh the rare distinction of holding charge of four universities, sources clarified that Raj Bhawan notifications restrict his role in additional universities to routine administrative matters only.
Retired BBMKU professor Dr SKL Das said that such a situation has not been seen earlier in Jharkhand or Bihar. “Even though the arrangement is temporary and limited to routine affairs, holding the charge of four universities at the same time is a rare occurrence,” he said.
Regular appointments likely soon
According to sources, the appointment of regular vice-chancellors in Jharkhand universities is in the final stage, and the current arrangement is expected to be reviewed once appointments are notified.
Senior academicians, including BIT Sindri Director Dr Pankaj Rai, CDC Chairman Dr Ghanshyam, and faculty members Dr Prakash Kumar and Dr Brahmde,o congratulated Dr DK Singh on taking additional charge at DSPMU Ranchi.
