Pune: In Pune's academic circles, there is growing speculation about efforts to destabilize Dr. Ajit Ranade, an internationally renowned economist, from his position as Vice-Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.
Concerns have been raised about the eligibility criteria for the vice-chancellor position and the management of the institute. Dr. Ranade, however, has dismissed all allegations as baseless, claiming that this is an attempt to tarnish the institute's reputation.
Dr. Ajit Ranade was appointed as Vice-Chancellor in 2022. Complaints have been lodged with the University Grants Commission (UGC) alleging that Dr. Ranade lacks the necessary qualifications for the position, withheld information, provided false details to the UGC and the state government, and created unnecessary positions leading to financial mismanagement.
Dr. Ranade responded to the notice issued by the institute's former chancellor, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, asserting, "All the allegations are unfounded. My appointment was made transparently and in accordance with regulations. Appropriate clarifications have been provided to the competent statutory authorities."
One of the points raised was that Dr. Ranade does not have ten years of teaching experience. Former UGC Vice-Chairman Prof. Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan stated, "There is a need to reconsider this condition. The insistence on professors becoming vice-chancellors is outdated.
The role of a vice-chancellor has evolved to include leadership, vision, and fundraising responsibilities beyond academic duties. Therefore, experienced individuals from the corporate or defense sectors can also be considered for the vice-chancellor position.
The same flexibility given to professors with ten years of teaching and research experience should apply to vice-chancellor selections. This change aligns with the National Education Policy and UGC’s Professor of Practice scheme."
Several complaints have been made to the UGC regarding Dr. Ajit Ranade, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Gokhale Institute. These developments have raised questions about whether there is a deliberate attempt to unsettle his position.