Stalemate over VC appointment leaves HP agri varsity in disarray

The post of Vice-Chancellor (VC) at Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University has remained vacant for over 18 months, with the institution currently being managed by Acting VC Dr Naveen Kumar. Previously, Dr DK Vatsa served as acting VC until his retirement in July 2023. The stalemate between the state government and Raj Bhavan over appointing a regular VC has left the university in unprecedented disarray in its 46-year history.

The vacancy has severely impacted teaching, research, and extension activities since the retirement of Dr HK Chaudhary in August 2023. The lack of consensus between the Governor, who is also the Chancellor, and the state government prompted the appointment of acting VCs from senior Deans. Despite efforts, including a three-member selection committee set up by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, the process was halted by the Himachal Pradesh High Court due to procedural anomalies.

The court observed violations of the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry Act, 1986, which outlines the structure of the selection committee. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director-General was replaced by the Deputy Director-General, contravening the Act’s provisions. Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) nominee, of equivalent rank to a VC, was made the committee’s Chairman instead of the Director-General, who traditionally holds the role due to a higher rank and pay scale. Furthermore, the absence of a mandatory state government representative in the committee exacerbated the irregularities.

These procedural lapses stalled the appointment process, delaying the selection of a regular VC. Meanwhile, a similar impasse has left the VC post at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, vacant for the past two years, underscoring ongoing administrative discord between the state government and Raj Bhavan. The prolonged absence of regular leadership in these universities threatens to erode the quality of education and research.