Pune: Dr. Ajit Ranade, the Vice-Chancellor of the esteemed Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune, has been removed from his position by the University's Chancellor, Bibek Debroy.
This decision comes after an inquiry determined that Dr. Ranade did not meet the academic qualifications mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC). His appointment had been under scrutiny since July when a formal complaint was lodged, questioning his eligibility for the role.
A few months ago, Dr. Ranade had been selected as Vice-Chancellor by a committee formed under the UGC’s guidelines. However, Murali Krishna, a concerned individual, filed a complaint with the UGC, asserting that Dr. Ranade did not possess the academic qualifications required for the position according to UGC norms.
This complaint raised concerns over whether the search committee and UGC representatives had properly verified Dr. Ranade’s credentials during the selection process.
In response to the complaint, the university's Chancellor, Bibek Debroy, initiated a fact-finding investigation. The inquiry, led by former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajiv Kumar, focused on determining whether Dr. Ranade’s academic qualifications aligned with the UGC’s prescribed criteria for a Vice-Chancellor.
The committee’s findings confirmed that Dr. Ranade fell short of the required qualifications, prompting Chancellor Debroy to revoke his appointment.
The situation has triggered broader concerns about the selection processes of academic leaders at reputed institutions like Gokhale Institute.
Observers have questioned whether adequate checks were in place during the interview process, particularly from UGC representatives, to ensure that candidates met all eligibility requirements.
The decision to remove Dr. Ranade now leaves the Gokhale Institute in search of a new Vice-Chancellor.
