Dr. Prashant Bokare, Vice Chancellor of Gondwana University, has asked the Chancellor for guidance after the death of Dr. Subhash Chaudhari, Vice Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU). Following Dr. Chaudhari’s suspension, the Chancellor gave Dr. Bokare additional responsibilities as Acting Vice Chancellor of RTMNU. Several issues require clarification, particularly two concerning the roles of Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor. Under the Maharashtra University Act, the Pro Vice Chancellor must vacate office automatically after the Vice Chancellor’s term ends. Adv. Manmohan Bajpai, a Senate Member, has written to Dr. Bokare, requesting an official notice to end Dr. Sanjay Dudhe’s term as Pro Vice Chancellor, as per Section 13 (7) of the Maharashtra Public University Act 2016.
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Acting V-C Dr. Prashant Bokare Seeks Guidance After Dr. Subhash Chaudhari’s Passing
Dr. Bokare informed ‘The Hitavada’ that they sought guidance from the Honourable Chancellor for appropriate action. He cited various relevant sections, including issues regarding the Pro Vice-Chancellor and the new Vice-Chancellor appointment. Dr. Bokare noted that Dr. Sanjay Dudhe’s appointment was made under the previous Act, so instructions from the Chancellor are needed. Dr. Bokare was also temporarily in charge of RTMNU’s Vice-Chancellor role during Dr. Chaudhari’s suspension. Now, the Chancellor must specify who will take on the additional charge. Dr. Bokare has asked the Chancellor for clarification on this matter.
Previously, the Vice-Chancellor recommended three names for the Pro Vice-Chancellor post and sent them to the Chancellor for approval. Under the new rule, the Vice-Chancellor can appoint the Pro Vice-Chancellor after Management Council approval. Advocate Bajpai added that since Dr. Subhash Chaudhari passed away on September 26, 2024, any decisions made by Dr. Dudhe should be considered invalid.
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Dr. Bokare chaired the first Deans’ meeting after Dr. Chaudhari’s passing, which Dr. Dudhe did not attend. Therefore, any decisions by Dr. Dudhe after September 26, 2024, would be null and void.
Dr. Sanjay Dudhe clarified that he did not attend any RTMNU meetings or visit its offices after Dr. Chaudhari’s death. He has also been using his personal vehicle, denying any involvement in official activities.
Deans to continue in this academic year
THERE is a Dean for each faculty, a full time salaried officer. The Dean is appointed by the ViceChancellor on the recommendations of the selection committee for the purpose under this Act. As per the Section 15 (3) the term of Dean shall be co-terminus with the term of office of the ViceChancellor or till he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier. But in case of the death of Dr Subhash Chaudhari, this subsection is not applicable as the proviso 2 says, ‘Provided further that, in case vacancy occurs in the office of the ViceChancellor because of death, resignation or otherwise, the dean shall continue to hold the post till the end of that academic year.’
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