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The convocation ceremony of Madras University will take place on December 1, 2016. Interestingly, there is no Vice-Chancellor of the university. Hence, most of the academicians have questioned the how the varsity can go ahead with the convocation without a VC. According to sources, the government constituted VC search committee, has been awaiting the clearance from the governor of the state Mr. Vidyasagar Rao for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor.
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The search committee was constituted ten months ago. The committee consisted of three members including R. Surendra Prasad, R. Balasubramanian and P.N. Veda Narayan. They stated that the process of recommending names for the position of the Vice-Chancellor as per guidelines and parameters issued by University Grants Commission (UGC) was completed well in time. As of now, it is the responsibility of the government to take the final decision.
According to sources, a total number of 50 members had applied for the post of VC. A three-member convenor committee which consists of higher education secretary took charge as the chairman in the absence of VC.
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One of the members of the committee explained that the names of the shortlisted candidates have not been finalised and the committee has not been convened since June 2016. He pointed that change in governorship might be the reason for the delay. Vidyasagar Rao assumed the charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu on September 2, 2016.
The decision of Madras University to go ahead with convocation has created a controversy. The varsity is planning to award the degrees which are signed by one of the members of VC convenor committee. The Professors Forum of Madras University pointed that the degree signed sans VC might create problems in future. Hence, the degree must be signed only by the Vice Chancellor.
