Tamil University VC Search Committee Gets Tenure Extension Until May 31
The Tamil Nadu state government has officially notified the extension of the tenure for the vice-chancellor (VC) search committee of Tamil University in Thanjavur. The new deadline for the committee's work has been set for May 31, providing additional time to complete the crucial selection process.
Government Order Issued Amid Deliberations
The Tamil development and information department issued a government order (GO) on February 27, formally extending the committee's operational period. This extension comes as the panel members are actively engaged in finalizing their list of shortlisted VC candidates and determining appropriate interview dates.
Sources familiar with the proceedings revealed that a meeting of the panel members was underway on Tuesday evening to advance these critical decisions. "There are ongoing deliberations about scheduling the interview date in a manner that ensures it will not be affected by the election code of conduct," a knowledgeable source disclosed, highlighting the committee's careful consideration of the political calendar.
Composition of the Search Committee
The distinguished search committee comprises several eminent individuals from legal, administrative, and academic backgrounds:
- Justice K B K Vasuki - Retired judge of the Madras High Court
- K Deenabandhu - Retired IAS officer
- Professor M Selvam - Academic representative
- M Thangaraju - Former Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University
- Professor M Rajendran - Academic representative
Notably, the committee's constitution currently operates without a University Grants Commission (UGC) nominee, a detail that has drawn attention within academic circles.
Legal Context and Government Communication
In its official communication, the Tamil Nadu government clarified that the constitution of the search committee has not been stayed by any judicial order. The government specifically cited the Supreme Court's recent order dated February 4, which set aside the Madras High Court's earlier stay on vice-chancellor appointments.
The Supreme Court remitted the matter back to the High Court for fresh hearing, creating a legal environment that allows the search committee to continue its work unimpeded. This judicial development has provided the necessary legal foundation for the committee to proceed with its mandate despite previous legal challenges.
The extension until May 31 gives the committee approximately three additional months to complete the comprehensive selection process, which includes finalizing candidate shortlists, conducting interviews, and making recommendations for the prestigious vice-chancellor position at Tamil University.
