The extension of term of the acting vice-chancellor Dr H S Vijayakumar of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Dharwad has come in for criticism with a section of university staff terming it as a violation of the Universities of Agricultural Sciences Act of 2009.
Vijayakumar was appointed acting vice-chancellor for a period of six months, when his predecessor R R Hanchinal was appointed head of a department in the Union Agriculture Ministry.
His term ended on November 4, but the Governor has extended it for another two months quoting the sub-section 89 of section 28 of the Act.
This decision of the Governor is now being questioned by a section of the staff, including Director of Education (DOE) L Krishna Naik, who is on top of the seniority list for the vice-chancellor’s post.
“There is no provision in the Act for an extension of term of an acting vice-chancellor. I had written to both the Governor and the agriculture minister seven months ago in this regard. However, Vijayakumar has continued despite my contention,” Naik said.
Though there is no reference to the extension of term of the acting vice-chancellor in the Act, it says Director of Education or the Registrar or Senior most Director of the University may perform the duties of the vice-chancellor in the event of a temporary vacancy of the post for any reason. However, the period shall not exceed six months.
“Now that Vijaykumar has completed six months in office he should not have been continued,’’ Naik said.