Kannada varsity VC search panel meet ends in stalemate

Selection of vice chancellor to Hampi Kannada University has become a knotty affair following the differences in the search committee.

The search committee, in its previous meetings, had failed to arrive at a consensus. It was supposed to recommend three names for the post to Governor Vajubhai Vala by December 26. The committee has convened a meeting again on January 7.

The state government has invited applications for the vice chancellor’s post. As per the guidelines, the search committee cannot consider the applications received after Dec 15, last date for submission.

“During the search committee meeting on Dec 26, a member of the committee pressed for considering the name of incumbent VC Mallika Ghanti for the post.

Another member opposed it saying that Mallika Ghanti had applied for the post after Dec 15-deadline. After the members sparred over Mallika Ghanti’s application, the meeting ended in stalemate.

The search committee member who opposed considering Mallika Ghanti’s application, told DH, “Mallika Ghanti has applied after Dec 15, the last date for submission of application as fixed by the government.

Hence, I opposed considering her name for VC post during the meeting. No one, howsoever big he or she may be, is above the rules.”

Mallika Ghanti’s tenure as VC ended on Sept 8, 2018. She had received a four-month extension. Her term will end on January 7, the day when the search committee would meet to select new VC.