UGC norms for selection of state univ VCs relaxed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 

Chennai: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to relax norms for selection of vice-chancellors (VCs) in state universities. On Sunday, UGC chairman Ved Prakash said the move followed requests from several state governments to easethestandards. 
    There has been speculation for morethan a month now thatselection normswouldbe relaxed. Prakash said that from now, selection norms prescribed by the UGC will not be mandatory for the state-run universities. Speaking at the 75th convocation of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Madras in Chennai, he said it was the responsibility of the state to maintain quality and transparency in the VC-selection process. 
    The present UGC norms insist that a VC candidate should have a minimum of 10 years experience as professor in a university or 10 years of experience in an equivalent position in a reputed research and/or academic administrative organization. With the recent move,these normswould nolonger be mandatory. 
    Refusing to comment on allegations that political interference plays a major role in the appointment of VCs, Prakashsaidthedecision was taken because several states had sought freedom in carrying out appointmentof university heads.He,however, refused to say if there was a requestfrom theTN government. 
    Senior professors and academicians in the state say the move will only facilitate more corruption. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has a dubious record in VC selection over the last decade. Recently, a VC seeking favours fell at the feet of a politician. Another was suspended on corruption charges and, in a third instance, a VC’s residence was raided by anti-corruption sleuths. 
    A Narayanan, an academician who has filed several petitions seeking transparency in the appointments of VCs and registrarsin thestate universities said the reason for relaxing norms remains unknown. 
    “We have VCs who knew how to find their way to the top post overnight. They are either relatives of politicians or someone from a dominant caste. When money, caste and political power decides VCs and registrar posts in state universities, UGC relaxation will further decay the system,” hesaid. 
    Ved Prakash also refuted reports of cancelling the autonomy of the Madras Christian College. “MCC has submitted all the documents we sought for verification and the autonomywas puton hold only till we complete the verification process,” hesaid.

Source:::: The Times of India, 15-10-2012, p.14. http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&AW=1350288044348