Delay in Vice Chancellors posting takes toll on students

After a quick glance at the scholarships provided at the Madras University, one notices that most programmes need to be approved by the vice chancellor. For instance, the Prof L Krishnasamy Scholarship (UD) meant for students undergoing first year MSc Mathematics degree course in the Ramanujan Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics, the University Departmental Committee has to recommend the eligible students on economic-cum merit basis. A note says, “A committee constituted by the vice chancellor shall have the power to decide the eligibility of and to select students with the approval of the vice chancellor.” Similarly, for the AL Mudaliar Silver Jubilee Scholarship (UD), the candidates are selected by a committee constituted by the vice chancellor. 

“Hundreds of students are affected due to this. Not just students, even the grants for teachers to attend seminars and workshops have been stalled, which also needs to be approved by the VC,” says Professor R Manivannan, from the Department of Politics and Public Administration, Madras University. 

Apart from this, there is also the issue of conducting convocations. “Many first-time graduates still haven’t got the chance to celebrate with their families because of the delay in the convocation. To apply abroad, many institutions ask for the degrees that require the signature of the vice chancellor,” notes T Amaladas, St Xaviers Catholic College of Engineering. 

When contacted, a top official in the education department said that they were aware of the problems and were taking necessary action at the earliest. “We are aware of the problems faced by the students are facing, with respect to scholarships and grants and they will be addressed at the earliest as the appointment of VCs are in final stages,” he said.