Appointment of university VCs: HC notice to UGC, TN govt

The Madras High Court today issued notice to the UGC and the Tamil Nadu government on a petition seeking a direction to ensure adequate representation to SC/ST, women and minorities in appointment of vice-chancellors to state-run universities.
The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar issued notice to the University Grants Commission, state higher education secretary and the secretary to governor, who is the chancellor of state-run varsities, and posted the matter to July 17.
Petitioner Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumaavalavan submitted that vice-chancellors (VCs) are appointed to the 21 State-run universities by the governor- cum-chancellor, as recommended by the higher education department through search committee report.

He contended that no adequate representation was given in this appointments to those from SC/ST category, women and minorities.
When 30 per cent reservation was in force in all government posts for women and those from SC/ST category, it was not followed in appointments to such posts (of VCs), he claimed.
Alleging that the VCs were appointed according to the wish and will of the appointing authorities, the petitioner said norms of educational qualifications, social and economic status were not followed.
Though qualified candidates were available in these reserved categories, even minimum representations was not given to them, he claimed.