UGC calls for fresh nominations for its vice chairperson post

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has called for "fresh nominations" for the post of its vice chairperson.

"Process is on for the selection of UGC chairman as well," a Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry official said. Both posts have been lying vacant since April this year.  

The  fresh search for a vice chairperson began after the HRD Ministry recently scrapped a selection committee, constituted under Higher Education secretary K K Sharma, without citing reasons.

The Ministry also rejected the panel of four names recommended by the selection committee, asking the higher education regulator to start the process afresh.

"Eminent persons with substantial experience in academics, governance and/or professional management with proven track record of dynamic, idea centric leadership in institution building, flair for innovation and global outlook in higher education, commensurate with the responsibility and prestige of the position may be nominated by the peers," the UGC said, inviting nominations.

The candidates to be nominated for the post must be below 62 years of age.

Last date for submitting nominations to the Commission is January 3, 2018, the UGC added

The HRD Ministry will notify the new vice chairperson's appointment only after approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A new committee, set up to examine the nominations, will recommend a panel of names for the post and send it to the HRD Ministry.

Posts vacant

"The committee reserves the right to consider persons of eminence outside the list of such nominations.
In accordance with the procedure evolved by the committee, nominees would be shortlisted based on the agreed parameters. The shortlisted nominees may be invited for interaction with the committee," the UGC said.