Monday, May 12 2025 | Time 03:17 Hrs(IST)
States » NorthPosted at: May 11 2025 1:48AM


VC Dr Rajeshwar Chandel gets extension amid appointment row at Nauni Horticulture University

Shimla, May 10 (UNI) Dr Rajeshwar Singh Chandel would continue to hold the charge of Vice Chancellor of Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, even after the expiry of his three-year term on May eight.

The extension was granted through a notification issued by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, who is also the Chancellor of the university.
Dr Chandel was appointed as Vice Chancellor on May six, 2022, for a term of three years. An alumnus of the same university, he holds a PhD in entomology and has earlier served in various academic and administrative capacities.
The notification cites sub-section (3) of section 24 of the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Act, 1986, to justify the extension.
According to this provision, the incumbent VC can be asked to continue in office until a new appointment is made.
As of now, no search committee has been constituted, nor has the post been advertised to invite applications from eligible candidates.
However, the extension has triggered a fresh controversy. Sections of the Youth Congress have questioned the legality of the move, pointing out that the High Court had recently passed strict directives in a related case.
In that case, a professor from Nauni University, Dharam Pal Sharma, had filed a petition challenging Chandel’s original appointment, terming it a violation of the University Act.
The High Court had ruled that any appointment—regular or officiating—must strictly follow the provisions of the Act.
Critics argue that the same legal principle applies now and that extending the VC’s term without initiating the proper selection process goes against the spirit of the court’s order.

They claim the extension is unconstitutional and reflects the ongoing tussle between the Raj Bhavan and the state government over university appointments.
The government, under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has already expressed concern over political interference in such appointments and had even passed a bill seeking greater say in university administration.

With the appointment process still in limbo, all eyes are now on whether the state would push for a fresh selection or let the Governor’s decision stand uncontested.
UNI ML SS
Tags: #VC Dr Rajeshwar Chandel gets extension amid appointment row at Nauni Horticulture University
More News

Expedite ongoing construction projects before monsoon sets in: Yogi

11 May 2025 | 11:37 PM

Gorakhpur, May 11 (UNI) UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed that most of the ongoing construction works should be finished before the monsoon begins. He also directed that all drains be cleaned on time and specifically called to expedite the Gordhaiya Nala project, which is crucial to resolving water logging issues.

see more..
Last rites of martyr Subedar Major Pawan Kumar performed with full military honours in Shahpur

Last rites of martyr Subedar Major Pawan Kumar performed with full military honours in Shahpur

11 May 2025 | 11:22 PM

Dharamshala, May 11 (UNI) The last rites of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, who was martyred in cross-border shelling by Pakistan in Poonch, were performed with full military honours in his native village of Shahpur in Kangra district on Sunday.

see more..

Over 350 illegal religious structures removed along Nepal border

11 May 2025 | 11:17 PM

Lucknow, May 11 (UNI) More than 350 unauthorised religious sites, including madrasas, mosques, mazars and Eidgahs on the Indo-Nepal border, have been identified and subjected to sealing or demolition in recent days, official sources said here on Sunday.

see more..

Yogi to inaugurate public welfare projects in Gorakhpur

11 May 2025 | 10:40 PM

Gorakhpur, May 11 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate two significant public welfare projects in Gorakhpur on Monday, marking a major enhancement to the city's civic infrastructure, official sources said here on Sunday.

see more..

UP: Youth beaten to death in Amroha

11 May 2025 | 10:39 PM

Amroha (UP), May 11 (UNI) An 18-year-old youth was killed by beating and hitting with a shovel for protesting against molestation of his cousin in Hasanpur area of Amroha district here in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, a police officer said here.

see more..