The long-delayed appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University has reached its final phase, with the Governor set to interview the five shortlisted candidates on Sunday, November 30. This comes nearly two months after the process was originally expected to be completed.
The university has been functioning under an officiating Vice-Chancellor for the past one and a half years, and the prolonged vacancy has drawn considerable attention. Adding to the intrigue, one of the final candidates is reportedly a relative of a senior BJP leader, giving the selection process a political undertone. An official announcement is likely soon after Sunday’s interviews.
Prominent names excluded
Several well-known academics—including Gondwana University VC Dr. Prashant Bokare, former Officiating Pro-VC Dr. Rajendra Kakde, and Dr. Niraj Khati—were earlier considered strong contenders. However, all of them have been dropped from the final shortlist.
The five finalists
The candidates selected for the final round are:
- Dr. Manali Khirsagar, Director, Technical Department, Datta Meghe Institute
- Dr. Subhash Kondawar, retired Officiating Pro-Vice-Chancellor
- Dr. Smita Deshmukh, Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati
- Dr. Prashant Patil, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Dr. Mohanlal Kolhe, IIT Roorkee
Dr. Kondawar is the only candidate with experience at Nagpur University. Notably, one of the shortlisted individuals is said to be related to a senior BJP leader.
The selection process began earlier with 26 applicants. After preliminary scrutiny and interviews, the list was narrowed down to five. Although speculation about the shortlisted names had been circulating, the Governor’s office had not previously issued any communication.
Currently, Gujarat Governor Devvrat Acharya holds additional charge as Governor of Maharashtra, and according to university sources, he will personally conduct the interviews. Emails have already been sent to the five candidates, confirming the interview schedule for November 30.
A final decision on the new Vice-Chancellor is expected shortly afterward. With the Nagpur University Senate meeting set for December 5, sources indicate that if the appointment is finalized by November 30, the upcoming meeting may be presided over by the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor.
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