Former VC's urge govt to gear up UoM for NIoE status

Forum of Former Vice-Chancellors of Karnataka State Universities (FVCK) has moved the state government to redress certain issues of University of Mysore (UoM) to enable it to be eligible for National Institution of Eminence (NIoE).

 

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Dr S N Hegde, President, FVCK said that UoM had vacancies between 45 and 50 % of its sanctioned strength. The varsity would not be eligible for NIoE status if the vacancies were not filled up.

 

University Grants Commission (UGC) has shortlisted 30 institutions of higher learning from both public and private sectors across the country. Of these only 20 institutions will get NIoE status. UoM is the only institution from Karnataka to figure in the short-listed institutions, Dr Hegde said.

 

The government directed the In-Charge VC not to go head with recruitment process to fill up vacant positions. The varsity did not have a full time VC. Besides appointing the full time VC, the government should allow the varsity to promote eligible faculty under Career Advancement Scheme, invite eminent scholars as Adjunct Professors and appoint visiting professors under several endowments and chairs, he urged.

 

Institutions with NIoE status would get Rs 1,000 crore each for a period of five years for greater academic, administrative and functional autonomy, Dr Hegde added.

 

"As there is little time, the government may submit a letter of assurance to the UGC promising to fill up vacancies. The letter of assurance could be enclosed with the application," he suggested.

 

The FVCK would submit a memorandum to Principal Secretary, Higher Education and would meet higher ups to the issue forward. The last date to apply for the NIoE status is December third week.  

 

The application costs Rs 1 crore. The UGC would refund 75 lakh to those institutions that fail to get the status.