Fill VC, registrar vacancies within one month: Supreme Court to universities

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed that appointments to key posts such as vice-chancellors and registrars in higher education institutions across the country should be made within one month of a vacancy arising. The court said this is necessary for the smooth functioning of institutions. Since retirement dates are known in advance, recruitment processes should begin early, which would make it possible to fill vacancies within a month. The bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan said this should become a regular practice.

As a first step, the court granted four months’ time to fill vacancies in key administrative posts such as vice-chancellors, registrars, faculty, and other important positions in both public and private institutions. Teaching and non-teaching vacancies should also be filled within this period. Special recruitment drives may be conducted to fill reserved posts. Institutions must inform the central and state governments about the number of reserved posts lying vacant, how many have been filled, reasons for vacancies if any, and the time taken for recruitment.

The directions were issued while the court was hearing petitions related to student suicides in higher education institutions.

No delay in scholarships
1. The court directed the central and state governments to clear any pending scholarships for eligible students within four months. If this is not possible, institutions must be informed in writing within two months, and steps must be taken to ensure that delays do not occur in the future.

2. The court warned that students should not be prevented from appearing for examinations due to non-receipt of scholarships. They should not be evicted from hostels, barred from attending classes, or have mark sheets and other certificates withheld. Strict action will be taken if such practices are found.

Only three permanent VCs in the state
Out of 14 universities in the state, only three currently have permanent vice-chancellors- Technological, Health and Digital universities. Interviews for the appointment of a vice-chancellor at Calicut University are expected to begin soon. With the Supreme Court's directions, the process of appointing vice-chancellors in the state is expected to gain momentum.