CM Amarinder gives approval for Punjabi varsity VC Ghuman’s resignation

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 21

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has recommended acceptance of resignation of Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr BS Ghuman. The development has come three days after the VC put in his papers with the office of the Governor.

Raveen Thukral, media adviser to the CM, confirmed the development and added, “The resignation has been accepted by the government.” He added that the recommendations for appointing an officiating or a regular VC will be decided upon after formal approval given by the Governor office.

Dr Ghuman is said to have visited the university campus today evening. Officials said he went to his official residence where he was met by senior administrative officials of the university as well. He did not respond to repeated calls made in the evening.

As per UGC rules, a distinguished academician with a minimum of 10 years’ experience as a professor in a university is eligible to be the Vice Chancellor of a university.

On the other hand, the opposition parties have slammed the state government over poor financial condition of the university. Senior vice president of Shiromani Akali Dal Prem Singh Chandumajra during a candle march in Patiala on Saturday said it is highly imperative that the state government should take action to pull the university out of financial slump. Academicians and students participated in the march. Chandumajra said, “The varsity has come to standstill as the government failed to provide any sort of financial assistance.”

He alleged that the resignation of the varsity VC is actually the government’s failure in handling the university’s financial situation. He said the alumni will organise a seminar in the university’s Guru Tegh Bahadur hall to discuss its finances.