H.P. Governor’s Inaction Leaves Universities in Himachal Pradesh in Limbo as Key Leadership Positions Remain Vacant

Universities in Himachal Pradesh in Limbo as Key Leadership Positions Remain Vacant

INDIA REPORTER TODAY

SHIMLA : IRT Bureau

Himachal Pradesh’s higher education system is in turmoil as three major universities – Shimla, Mandi, and Palampur – lack permanent Vice-Chancellors, causing disruptions and raising concerns about the quality of education.

Whilespeaking to mediapersons here, former Speaker of the state Assembly, Former Health Minister and senior BJP leader Vipin Singh Parmar said universities in the state were headless for the past one year.

“This has never happened in the history of Himachal, the posts of Vice-Chancellors have never been vacant for so long. The post of Chairman of the Private University Regulatory Commission is also vacant since August 2023,” he said. Strongly criticising the state govemment for being “apa- thetic” on the issue, he said higher education was on the verge of getting hit completely due to such vacancies.

“I urge the government to appoint Vice-Chancellors to the three universities without sleeping any further,” he said.

The Problem:

Vacant Positions: All three universities have been without Vice-Chancellors for extended periods, ranging from nine months to a year.
Impact on Operations: The absence of leadership has hampered academic activities, research, and overall progress within these institutions.
Delayed Appointments: Despite urgency, the state government has failed to appoint suitable candidates due to various reasons, including a political deadlock with the Governor if H.P.

The Universities:

Shimla University: Functioning without a VC for a year, with responsibilities delegated to the VC of another university.
Mandi University: Facing a nine-month vacancy, with the Pro VC holding the fort temporarily.
Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University Palampur : Leaderless since August 21, 2023, with the senior-most professor acting as VC.

Concerns and Criticism:

Educational Standstill: The prolonged vacancies have led to an “educational standstill,” jeopardizing the quality of education and student prospects.
Political Blame Game: Former officials criticize the government’s inaction, highlighting the detrimental effects on higher education.
Urgent Action Needed: Calls for immediate intervention to fill the vacant positions and ensure the smooth functioning of the universities.
Possible Solutions :

Swift Action by Government: The state government must prioritize VC appointments through constructive dialogue and swift action.

Collaborative Efforts: All stakeholders, including the government and Governor, need to work together to find a solution.
Focus on Merit: Selecting qualified candidates based on merit and experience is crucial to restore stability and progress in these universities.

In conclusion, the ongoing leadership vacuum in Himachal Pradesh’s universities poses a significant threat to the state’s higher education system.

Immediate and decisive steps are needed to address this crisis and ensure a brighter future for its universities and students.