Madras High Court seeks action on Tamil Nadu university vice chancellor vacancies
Justice N Anand Venkatesh noted that state-run universities functioning without vice chancellors for years could impact the quality of higher education.
The Madras High Court has expressed concern regarding the anomalous situation in Tamil Nadu where state-run universities have functioned without vice chancellors for more than three to four years, according to The New Indian Express.
Justice N Anand Venkatesh observed that while convenor committees headed by an IAS officer may serve as temporary arrangements, it is virtually impossible for such committees to run universities and administer their colleges.
The judge stated that if the state government does not take immediate steps to remedy this anomaly, it will directly impact higher education in the state. He noted that the court must take judicial notice of the situation affecting 14 universities that lack a vice chancellor or a syndicate.
The observations were made on Tuesday during a hearing of sub-appeal petitions filed by retired employees of Annamalai University seeking pension disbursements. Senior counsel Singaravelan submitted that the registrar faces difficulties resolving issues because the university is being run by a convenor committee rather than a vice chancellor or syndicate.
Justice Venkatesh noted he has dealt with similar cases involving the University of Madras and Anna University, where institutions function with the assistance of temporary registrars and convenor committees. The court has suo motu impleaded the finance secretary in the case.
The judge requested the advocate general to appear and inform the court of the further course of action the state government will take to restore normalcy. The registrar of Annamalai University has been directed to file a report on pension disbursements, and the matter is posted to November 17.