Now, performance review for central varsity VCs

While students are routinely put to test, a new proposal floated by the Human Resource Development Ministry calls for a performance review of vice-chancellors of universities and an external peer review of the university as well.

The Council of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities that met here on Thursday approved the proposal for a performance assessment of the VC that will be conducted at the end of the incumbent's tenure. It is mooted that accountability of the VC must be attempted at by asking him to make a powerpoint presentation at the time of appointment outlining his plans and commitments for the concerned university. At the end of his tenure, it will be assessed by the Council whether the VC has been able to fulfil these commitments or not, the Council chaired by Minister Kapil Sibal recommended.

The Council also called for an external review of the performance of the university — whether it managed to attain the objectives with which it was set up. It was earlier suggested that a Central university must undergo a comprehensive review of its functioning every five years by External Peer Review Board — a five-member board constituted from amongst a panel of eminent scholars from various areas. The EPRB review will be preceded by an academic audit of the performance of each department/ centre/ school of the varsity by subject experts.

"It is increasingly felt that there must be a review of the university's overall performance... while most universities do conduct an academic audit, it is important to take this further. Also, that the Council has moved to make it easier for varsities to set up new centres/ schools is one of the most important outcomes," said Dr D T Khating, VC Central University of Jharkhand and a Council member.

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