NU pro vice-chancellor appointment remains pending

Nagpur: The appointment of pro-vice-chancellor (Pro-VC) at Nagpur University continues to remain pending, raising concerns over delays in administrative functioning at the institution.The delay comes after the university appointed its new vice-chancellor, Manali Kshirsagar, following a gap of nearly two years. However, the prolonged delay in finalising the name pro-VC has added to uncertainty in key decision-making processes.According to university officials, the delay is largely due to a tussle between two right wing factions over finalising a suitable candidate. More than 35 aspirants are eyeing the post, making consensus difficult. The contenders include former statutory officers, college principals, and senior professors.Sources indicated that the number of aspirants has increased over time, further complicating the selection process. "With the delay stretching on, more candidates have entered the race, making it harder to arrive at a final decision," an insider said.Vice-chancellor Kshirsagar confirmed that a meeting of the management council was scheduled last month to discuss the appointment, but it could not take place due to unspecified issues. "A decision will be taken soon," she said, without elaborating on a timeline.Apart from a pro-VC, the university is currently functioning without a full-time director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluations. The VC said interviews were recently conducted for the post, but only two candidates appeared, and neither was found suitable. "We will re-advertise the position," she added.The continuing vacancies in key posts have raised concerns among academic circles about the pace of administrative decisions and their impact on the university's overall functioning.