PUNE: A two-month lengthy deadlock over Ajit Ranade’s induction because the vice-chancellor (V-C) at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune, got here to an finish on Monday, with Ranade resigning from the submit citing “personal” causes.
A fortnight after being reinstated, Ajit Ranade resigns as GIPE V-C
Additionally Learn: Ajit Ranade to stay Gokhale Institute VC until 7 October: Bombay HC
In his resignation letter, Ranade clarified that the transfer doesn’t “in any way indicate my acceptance of any defect or ineligibility in my appointment as Vice-Chancellor in October 2021.”
Additionally Learn: Sanjeev Sanyal reinstates Ajit Ranade as Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics V-C
Earlier, on October 21, the chancellor of GIPE, Sanjeev Sanyal, had reinstated Ranade because the V-C of the controversy-ridden establishment.
Additionally Learn: Mistaken to take away Ajit Ranade from Pune’s Gokhale Institute: Raj Thackeray
Talking in regards to the developments, Milind Deshmukh, a trustee of the Servants of India Society, the belief that controls GIPE, mentioned, “It’s unfortunate to see such controversy around Ranade’s appointment as V-C in GIPE. It has affected the 90-year legacy of the institute. We will discuss the issue in the management board meeting slated to be held on November 8. By that time the interim charge of V-C will be given to a senior professor at the institute.”
In September this 12 months, Ranade was terminated by the then chancellor Bibek Debroy, a choice that the previous subsequently contested in courtroom. Ranade was faraway from his submit on September 14 following a fact-finding committee (FFC) report that investigated complaints of irregularities concerning his appointment. The FFC report had noticed that Ranade’s candidature as V-C of GIPE, a deemed-to-be college in Pune, didn’t conform to the College Grants Fee (UGC) tips, together with his lack of expertise which required him to function a professor for 10 years.
Subsequently, Sanyal withdrew Debroy’s termination order. Sanyal, who assumed the workplace after his appointment because the chancellor on October 7, cited procedural equity and the fame of the institute as causes for rescinding Debroy’s dismissal order. In his order, he emphasised the significance of upholding due course of whereas respecting the continued authorized proceedings.
Ranade’s appointment itself has been marked by challenges. Lately an enquiry committee led by Prof Shantishree Pandit in its report acknowledged that he doesn’t have the requisite expertise for eligibility and in addition raised critical questions of breach of ethics and battle of curiosity in his choice as V-C.
Ranade’s tenure left a long-lasting influence on the scholars and fame of GIPE.
Beneath his management, scholar charges rose fourfold, whereas placement alternatives drastically declined. College and college students voiced frustration over a piece tradition that appeared to serve selective pursuits slightly than fostering a collaborative and supportive tutorial setting. This resignation brings to mild crucial points concerning the administration and management of academic establishments.
“The issue underscores the need for transparent and merit-based processes that genuinely prioritise students, faculty, and the institute’s long-term reputation,” mentioned Adv Kaustubh Patil, who had additionally opposed Ranade’s appointment for the previous two years on behalf of some college students.