Sensing Vice-Chancellor’s impending departure, many in UoP eye his post

Some 15 aspirants evince interest in position after rumours that incumbent may be joining IIT Delhi

Sensing Vice-Chancellor's impending departure, many in UoP eye his post

Some 15 aspirants evince interest in position after rumours thatu00a0 incumbent may be joining IIT Delhi

On his way out? R K Shevgaonkar, vice-chancellor of University of Pune
may soon join IIT Delhi according to reports. file pic

So convinced are some of Shevgaonkar's imminent departure, that a couple of aspirants is openly expressing their views and confirming their interest in the posting.

Two months ago, MiD DAY reported that Shevgaonkar had been selected to head Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, and was expected to officially make an announcement.

"I think the management council meeting will take place on September 6 and will see some major development. The buzz is that the vice-chancellor will announce his decision," said a source.

Of all the aspirants, a few names like Dr Arun Adsul, former acting vice-chancellor of UoP, Dr Vasudev Gade, current chief of Board of College and University Development (BCUD), Dr Gajanan Ekbote, senior senate member, and Dr Pandit Vidyasagar, former chief of BCUD are the likely contenders for the post.

According to sources, aspirants have already started confirming their candidacy. A candidate told MiD DAY he did not feel anything wrong in it.

"I don't know for sure if Shevgaonkar is leaving or not. But if the rumour is true and the vice-chancellor has himself given a few feelers to make us think in that direction, I think I am the best candidate for the post," said Adsul. "I know there are at least 15 other aspirants, there might be 50 others, as there is no harm in trying. But I know that I want to be the next V-C."

Explaining why he was best-suited for the role, Adsul said had held every top post in the UoP from acting V-C, pro V-C, BCUD chief in his 35-year-long teaching career and he also knew every employee. "No one has equal amount of experience as I," he said.

The buzz is that once the V-C makes his announcement, Dr Pandit Vidyasagar might be appointed as acting V-C until a new candidate is selected.

"The reason is that he (Vidysagar) is considered a non-controversial figure and that's why it is unlikely that there will be much opposition from teaching or non-teaching staff to his appointment. Also, he is senior-most teacher among the current lot and was also nominated to represent all departments in management council and has served as registrar and former BCUD chief," said a source.

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