The Supreme Court of India recently commented in a judgement that Vice-Chancellors should have a minimum of 10 years teaching experience as a professor in a university, and their nomination should be supported by a search-cum-selection committee. The court referred to Section 10(3) of the University Act, 2019, which stipulates that this committee should prepare a list of three individuals suitable for appointment as VC based on qualification and eligibility.
Process of Vice Chancellor Appointment
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018, the VC of a university is typically appointed by the Visitor/Chancellor from a list of three to five names proposed by a duly formed Search cum Selection Committee. If the Visitor is dissatisfied with the options provided, they can request a new selection.
In Indian universities, the President of India serves as the ex-officio Visitor of all Central Universities, while the Governor of the respective states plays the role of Chancellor for all state universities. However, this method isn’t consistent across all universities. Procedures differ among states, and conflicts can arise between the State University Act and the UGC Regulations, 2018. In such cases, if state legislation is opposing, the UGC Regulations, 2018 overrule. According to Article 254(1), if state law contradicts a provision in parliamentary law related to any matter in the Concurrent List, then parliamentary law takes precedence.
The Role of Vice Chancellor
As per university constitutions, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) is the ‘Principal Academic and Executive Officer of the University’. As the head of the university, the VC acts as a ‘bridge’ between the executive and academic wings of the establishment. To successfully fulfill this role, universities seek individuals who possess values, personal traits, and integrity, in addition to academic excellence and administrative experience.
Reports from the Radhakrishnan Commission (1948), Kothari Commission (1964-1966), Gnanam Committee (1990), and Ramlal Parikh Committee (1993) have underscored the significance of the VC’s role in maintaining the quality and relevance of universities. This includes managing growth and development and initiating necessary changes from time to time.
The VC is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, Finance Committee and Selection Committees, and presides over any university convocation for degree conferments in the Chancellor’s absence. The VC is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Act, Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations, and has the power required to carry out this duty.