Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will have to wait a few more months to appoint a full-time Dean due to a delay in implementing the state's reservation policy.

The proposal regarding this reservation, which applies to the Dean’s post, is still pending approval from the state government. University officials believe that the appointment process might not be completed until December or January.

The university has been without a full-time Dean for nearly two and a half years. After the tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nitin Karmalkar ended, the full-time deans who were appointed alongside him also completed their term.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Karbhari Kale had subsequently appointed interim deans, with various officials handling the responsibilities for nearly a year.

Dr. Suresh Gosavi was later appointed as the full-time Vice-Chancellor, but the process to appoint a new Dean was halted due to the imposition of the election code of conduct during the Lok Sabha elections.

Though the university had already advertised for the Dean's position and received applications, the implementation of the Maratha reservation policy caused further delays.

The state government has now applied reservations to both teaching and administrative posts, including that of the Dean. As a result, the process for appointing a full-time Dean requires verification of the reservation roster.

The university is currently awaiting this confirmation from the ministry. Once the roster is approved, the university will reissue the advertisement for the position and accept applications for another month.

Following the completion of the application process, the screening of candidates and interviews will be conducted.

However, with the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, the election code of conduct might once again delay the process, potentially pushing the appointment of a full-time Dean by another two to three months.