Scientist Mangla Rai is Pantnagar varsity VC : The Tribune India

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Dehradun, March 17

Governor KK Paul in his capacity as the Chancellor of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, has appointed Dr Mangla Rai as the Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Dr Mangla Rai, 67, is a world famous agriculture scientist and was holding the post of Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, and Director General, ICAR, for about 6 years. Mangla’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor will be valid for 3 years or up to the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

Mangla’s name figured on the panel of three candidates sent by the search committee to the Governor on March 1. The candidates were then called for a meeting at Raj Bhawan. One of the three candidates expressed his unwillingness on phone, while personal meetings with the Governor were held for the other two candidates at Raj Bhawan on March 10 and 12. The Secretary to the Governor was also present at the meetings.

On March 11, the Governor held a meeting with the Principal Secretary, Agriculture. Certain clarifications were sought after the meeting. The reply to the clarifications was received today. Thereafter, the decision to appoint Mangla as Vice-Chancellor was taken.

Previous Governor Aziz Qureshi had returned an earlier panel of candidates on April 22, 2014, on account of some preliminary objections. KK Paul assumed office on January 8 this year and he took up the matter of appointment of Vice-Chancellor with the Chief Secretary on January 14. The search committee submitted its report on March 1.

The Governor relied on the report of the search committee which stated that no upper age limit had been prescribed for the post of Vice-Chancellor of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in the statute. The report also cited cases of other agriculture universities where the age of Vice-Chancellor is up to 70 years. The Model Act for Agriculture University also recommends an upper age of 70 years for the posts of Vice-Chancellor in such universities.