After 30-month vacuum, VC post advertised at Palampur agri varsity

Ending nearly two-and-a-half years of administrative uncertainty, the Himachal Pradesh Government has issued an advertisement inviting applications for the post of Vice Chancellor of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The premier agricultural institution has been functioning without a regular head for the longest such period in its 47-year history.

During the prolonged vacancy, the university operated under three different acting Vice Chancellors. While routine administration continued, the absence of a full-time Vice Chancellor is learnt to have affected long-term planning, major research initiatives, faculty recruitment and key academic decisions. Several developmental projects and policy reforms reportedly moved at a slower pace due to the lack of stable leadership.

Established in 1978 as a leading centre for agricultural education and research in the hill state, the university plays a crucial role in strengthening farming practices, livestock development and allied sciences suited to Himachal Pradesh’s unique agro-climatic conditions. Any disruption in its governance structure has implications not only for academic growth but also for the wider farming community that depends on its research and extension services.

Over the past two years, faculty members and stakeholders had expressed concern over delays in decision-making, pending collaborations and stalled expansion proposals. The issuance of the advertisement is being seen as a corrective step aimed at restoring institutional stability and renewing strategic direction.

Naresh Kumar, secretary of the HP Agriculture University Non-Teaching Employees Union, welcomed the government’s decision and expressed hope that the appointment process would be completed without political or administrative hurdles. He said the university had suffered significantly during the extended vacancy.

He also pointed to a steady decline in the university’s national ranking. The institution slipped to 19th position in 2025 from 14th last year. In 2020, it had secured the 11th position at the all-India level. The continuous fall in rankings has raised concern among the university administration, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the state government, faculty and students.

According to him, the prolonged absence of a regular Vice Chancellor may have adversely affected research output, teaching standards and academic programmes. He added that several important posts of scientists remain vacant, further impacting performance indicators.

The academic community now awaits the timely completion of the selection process, hoping the appointment will mark the beginning of a more dynamic and forward-looking phase for the university.