Private dental college principal named acting VC of RGUHS, Health Minister opposes decision

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 15 Jun 2021 6:30 AM | Updated On 15 Jun 2021 6:30 AM

Private dental college principal named acting VC of RGUHS, Health Minister opposes decision

Bengaluru: The ongoing controversy over the recent appointment of the Principal of a private dental college as an interim Vice Chancellor of (VC) of prestigious Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has flabbergasted the Medical Education Minister, K Sudhakar himself, who stated that only a person with eminence, excellent reputation and track record should be appointed VC.

Controversy erupted after Dr. Jayakara SM, Principal, AECS Maruthi College of Dental Sciences was named for taking charge as the interim VC of prestigious RGUHS from June 15 till a full time VC is appointed or until further orders.

The decision to appoint Jayakara as the acting vice-chancellor of RGUHS was announced through a notification dated June 11 by Governor Vajubhai Vala's secretariat.

This is the first time in the history of RGUHS that a principal of a private college has been assigned the position of VC, though as an interim position. However, the decision has not gone down well with the Professors and Deans of some of the Government Medical Colleges as Jayakara been reportedly accused of granting permission to dental colleges to teach postgraduate courses in lieu of bribes. In 2013, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had raided Dr Jayakara's house when he was an executive member of the Dental Council of India.

Speaking at the valedictory of the silver jubilee celebrations of RGUHS, Sudhakar stated that RGUHS is one of India's largest and most prestigious health sciences universities, and our government is very clear that a person with eminence, excellent reputation and track record should be appointed vice-chancellor.

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"Jayakara has allegations of corruption against him and should not hold administrative posts in educational institutions without getting a clean chit. As the pro-chancellor of RGUHS, I have written to the Governor about the matter. I did not get an appointment to meet him due to the ongoing Covid crisis and will talk to him on phone," Sudhakar, who also asked why the dean of a private institution has been made the acting vice-chancellor of RGUHS told The Indian Express.

"Any person leading such a university should have credibility that is beyond doubt. No person with poor track record or allegations can occupy that chair, at least as long as I am the minister," Sudhakar was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

Sudhakar further told the Times of India that he has already submitted a letter to the Governor suggesting that one of the Registrars or a Dean of a Government College should be assigned the post.

Sudhakar, who is also the Chancellor of the University, requested the governor 3 weeks ago to discuss the matter of appointment with him in a meeting. "Given the Covid situation, the governor was not meeting anyone is what I was told. Hence, I could not meet him, but had written to him on the interim VC post, which is usually given to the director of medical education, registrar evaluation or administration of the university, or seniormost deans of government medical colleges," he stated.

The minister also mentioned in his letter that a search committee should be formed to offer recommendations regarding the post of the VC. "May be the letter was not considered," he added.

Some of the professors of government medical colleges have also alleged foul play and expressed their great disappointment as they were also on the seniority list but instead, Dr. Jayakara was appointed.

Dean of a government college told the daily, "There's no clarity on how a private dental college principal has been made the interim VC when there are several of us, who have worked in government medical colleges in highest capacities."

Meanwhile, Dr. Jayakara stated that the chancellor himself appointed him based on his work experience and dedication. He further stated that being the Dean of dental faculty at the university, he already had relevant experience and he also served the university as dean and senate member twice.

"I've also served the university in various capacities, chairing some of the committees. When the marks card scam was unearthed (2013-14), I was appointed the chairperson of the committee by the syndicate and I had submitted a report. It was based on my report that several reforms were introduced," Dr Jayakara mentioned.

Stating that he had no idea about any complications or confusion regarding the appointment, he confirmed that he would meet the governor after returning to Bengaluru. He further added that he would discuss the matter with the CM on Saturday.

"I don't know what has happened. Had I met the governor, I would have explained about it. Now, the professors are asking me how an interim post has been given to a private college principal. When I return to Bengaluru, I will try to meet the governor", added the doctor.

medical education ministerK SudhakarRGUHSRajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciencesvice chancellornew appointmentrguhs controversyAECS Maruthi College of Dental SciencesbengaluruDr Jayakara SM

Source : with inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.