Ahmedabad: A row has emerged over Prof Chetan Trivedi‘s appointment as the acting vice-chancellor of Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University in Junagadh, with concerns about his credentials and the selection procedure. Reports indicate that Trivedi remained acting VC beyond his term, which ended on July 20, 2022. His total term extended to six years instead of the mandated three-year period.
Manish Doshi, spokesperson for the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), pointed out that internal conflicts over VC appointments negatively impacted the state’s higher education management. He criticised the govt’s tendency to make acting appointments for leadership positions.
According to Doshi, the state’s education system has substantial administrative vacancies. He noted that out of 350 state-aided colleges, roughly 200 operate without permanent principals. The situation in 83 govt arts and commerce colleges reveals considerable staff shortages. He further stated that grant-in-aid institutions were dealing with over 60% vacant positions for librarians and Class-3 and Class-4 staff. Additionally, Doshi highlighted that approximately 66% of universities and 78% of colleges in the state currently lack NAAC accreditation.