Chandigarh: The appointment of new vice-chancellors for Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, and I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, could be announced soon, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann having forwarded panels of three candidates each to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
The governor is expected to select one candidate from each panel.
Three names shortlisted for each university
At Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, the term of former vice-chancellor Dr Rajeev Sood ended recently. The university’s charge was handed over to IAS officer Manjit Singh Brar on July 25.
The university has been facing several controversies, including a recent inter-state cheating case. As many as 70 candidates had applied for the vice-chancellor’s post. Following interviews, a screening committee headed by the chief secretary shortlisted three candidates and forwarded their names to the chief minister’s office.
At I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, 10 candidates had applied for the vice-chancellor’s position. Three names were subsequently shortlisted and forwarded for consideration. The post is currently being handled by Dean (Academics) Dr Yadvinder Singh Brar.
Focus on a clean image
The proposed appointments are also being linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent meeting with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
According to the report, the Punjab government wants to appoint a capable and uncontroversial person as vice-chancellor of Baba Farid University, given the controversies surrounding the institution.
Meanwhile, the state government has also begun preparations to appoint a new vice-chancellor at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, after Dr Satbir Singh Gosal retired from the post on August 18.
