181 VCs, academicians write open letter to Rahul, accuses him of spreading falsehood on appointment process

A total of 181 academicians, including vice chancellors and former VCs, have accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading "falsehood" regarding the appointment process for university heads seeking lawful action against him.

In an open letter,  they slammed Congress leader’s statement that vice chancellors are being appointed solely on the basis of affiliation with some organization rather than merit.

Though they did not quote Gandhi's specific claims, the Congress leader has in the past alleged that affiliations with the Hindutva organization RSS is often the guiding factor in appointments to academia.

The selection has been completely based on academic and administrative prowess and with a vision to take universities ahead, they said.

The process by which VCs are selected is characterized by stringent and transparent rigorous procedure grounded in the values of meritocracy, scholarly distinction and integrity, they asserted.

Jawaharlal University Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Delhi University VC Yogesh Singh and AICTE Chairman T G Sitharam are among the academicians who have signed onto the letter.

Other signatories to the letter include Vinay Pathak, VC, CSJM University, Kanpur, Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, Chancellor, Pacific University, Udaipur, N C Gautam, former VC, Mahatma Gandhi Gramodaya Vishvavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Alok Chakkarval, VC, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur and Vinay Kapoor, former VC, BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, reported news agency PTI.

Universities in India have undergone a significant transition as evident in their ascent in global rankings, prominent accreditations, world class research and innovations, curriculum facelift narrowing the industry academia gap and higher placement prospects reaffirming their commitment to academic quality and societal relevance, they asserted.

"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," they said.