Universities without VCs as CM, Governor turf war hots up

GOVERNOR RELUCTANT TO GIVE HIS ASSENT TO THE UNIVERSITY BILLS BILL SEEK CURTAILMENT OF GOV'S POWERS OF APPOINTING VCS

June 12, 2011, Patna: Even as chief minister Nitish Kumar held a detailed discussion with governor-cum-chancellor Devanand Konwar on university affairs at Raj Bhavan on Friday evening, nothing positive emerged. The talks, reportedly held in a cordial atmosphere, did not cut much ice to allow resolution of the deepening crisis in the field of higher education in Bihar.

It is learnt that the chancellor had made up his mind to appoint regular vice-chancellors in at least four universities, namely B R A Bihar, B N Mandal, K S D Sanskrit and Maulana Mazharul Haq Arabic and Persian universities in consultation with the chief minister. But, a consensus could not emerge on the names of persons to be appointed as VCs.

So far as the appointment of VCs in Magadh and Veer Kunwar Singh universities is concerned, the chancellor is awaiting the verdict of the Supreme Court. The VCs of both the universities have moved the apex court challenging the decision of Patna High Court quashing their appointment. As both the chancellor and the chief minister will be out of state for some days, any decision in the matter will be taken only after their return. It means that nothing is going to happen before June 20 when the chancellor is expected to return, said Raj Bhavan sources.