Former MP M. Ramadoss has sought the immediate formation of a Board of Governors (BoG) at the Puducherry Technological University (PTU) which will give the institute greater autonomy in its quest to achieve excellence in technology, management, architecture and advanced science .
In a statement, Mr Ramadoss said that two years after its formation, PTU “presents a classic example of an ineptly managed and administered university by gross apathy, inefficiency and lack of understanding on the part of the Government of Puducherry”.
The University has to function in accordance with the provisions of the Act, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations and directions of several authorities. The Act entrusts the execution of the functions of the University to the Board of Governors (BOG), which has not yet been constituted by the Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Chancellor, and this failure has led to all the controversies, confusion and ills surrounding the University today, he said. protested.
The absence of the highest authority of the University, the BOG, paralyzes the functioning of the University giving rise to speculation, gimmicks and manipulations. He said that immediate steps should be taken for the formation of BoG.
PTU still functions through its transitional provision on the foundation of Pondicherry Engineering College, though in the name of the university. A vice-chancellor has been appointed only to act as the principal of a college—a strange spectacle across the spectrum of university education in India. He urged the Lieutenant Governor, who is the Chancellor, to consider whether such misgovernance is an example of his innovative governance model and National Education Policy.
Mr. Ramdas also demanded the Vice-Chancellor be made the Chairman of the BoG at PTU, though the Act speaks in inconsistent voices—one for the Vice-Chancellor and the other for the Chancellor to nominate an eminent educationist.
More specifically, section 15(3) states that “the Vice-Chancellor shall, by virtue of his office, be a member and chairman of the Board of Governors, the Academic Council and any other authority or body of the University of which he may be a member”. In contrast, Section 18(1) of the Act states that “the Board of Governors shall consist of a Chairperson nominated by the Chancellor, who shall be an eminent and distinguished educationist or education administrator of at least the rank of Higher Secretary to Govt. with at least three years’ experience in Education Administration.
This serious contradiction has reached the President of India even two years after it came into existence, without the notice of the Chancellor or the officials of the Education Department. The most practical solution to this impasse is to retain section 15(3) and suitably amend section 18(1) to immediately constitute the BoG with the VC as its chairman, various other provisions of the Act Considering the provisions, powers similar to the functions and powers of the VC are provided. BOG, said Mr. Ramdas.
Pointing to the examples of Anna University and Delhi Technological University, Shri Ramdas said that post amendment of Section 18(1) appointment of VC as Chairperson is a logical, legal and natural step. He said that any other option would be inconsistent with the spirit of the Act and would bring disrepute to the university.