VCs write open letter to Rahul Gandhi, oppose his remarks on selection norms for university heads

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from across the country  wrote an open letter opposing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the selection process of University heads.

"It has come to our notice from tweet and open sources of Shri Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader, that appointment of Vice Chancellors is made solely on the basis of affiliation with some organisation rather than on the basis of merit and qualification thereby questioning the merit of the process through which the Vice Chancellors are appointed," the letter stated.

It was signed by 181 signatories from across the country.

According to the letter, the "process by which Vice Chancellors are selected is characterised by stringent, transparent rigorous procedure grounded on values of meritocracy, scholarly distinction and integrity".

"In our capacity as guardians of knowledge and administrators of academia, we maintain an unwavering commitment to maintaining the utmost levels of governance integrity, ethical behaviour, and institutional integrity. We encourage productive discourse and active participation from all relevant stakeholders, as we collaboratively strive to define the trajectory of Higher education in our country," the letter stated.

The academicians urged all individuals involved to "exercise discernment in distinguishing fact from fiction, to abstain from spreading unfounded rumours".

The letter stated that Vice Chancellors of "prestigious Universities nationwide and academic leaders, address and refute the baseless allegations that have recently been circulated concerning the selection process".

"In view of the fact that Shri Rahul Gandhi has resorted to falsehood and has defamed the Office of the Vice Chancellors at large with the intent to derive political mileage out of it. It is therefore, earnestly prayed that appropriate action be taken against him forthwith in accordance

with law," stated the letter.