Decks have been cleared for Bangalore University (BU) Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev to assume charge as chairman of the newly-formed Karnataka Health System Commission (KHSC) as the State government issued the order for his appointment on Saturday evening.
The order, a copy of which is with Express, states, “BU VC N Prabhu Dev has been appointed as chairperson of the KHSC for a period of three years or as the state government may decide.”
It further said that his appointment is “immediate” and “the terms and conditions of the post will be notified separately.”
The order comes after the Department of Health and Family Welfare formulated the criteria for the eligibility for the post of KHSC chief recently.
Meanwhile, Prabhu Dev said that he has not received the order and would take a call after consulting Chancellor H R Bhardwaj, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Higher Education Minister C T Ravi, Academic Council and Syndicate members.
What Next?
If the state government is offering a salary for the post of KHSC chairman, then Prabhu Dev should resign as VC. However, if the new post has no remuneration, he can continue as VC.
In the event that Dr Prabhu Dev tenders his resignation, the Governor and Chancellor H R Bhardwaj should relieve him of his duties as BU VC. The Karnataka State Universities (KSU) Act, 2000 provides two solutions to a situation where there is a vacancy in the office of the VC.
Section 16(1) says, “During the temporary absence of the VC by reason of leave, illness or any other cause, the Chancellor may make such arrangements as he deems fit for carrying on the duties of the VC. Provided that pending the making of such arrangements by the Chancellor, the VC may designate the senior most dean available in the University to be in charge of the current duties of the VC for a period not exceeding one month or till arrangements are made by the Chancellor, whichever is earlier.”
Section 16(2) says, “During the period when VC’s vacancy remains unfilled, the senior most Dean available in the university, as the Chancellor may appoint, shall act as VC and the person so appointed shall have all powers and shall be entitled to all the privileges of the VC.”