Experiences from serving as VC of a private university

Prof N Irabanta Singh
The writer joined the Bir Tikendrajit University, Manipur [Established by the Manipur Government Act No. 9 of 2020 and as per UGC Act, 1956 u/s 2(f)] on 15th March, 2021 as Vice-Chancellor, who is Principal Executive and Academic Officer of the University (Statute 3). The Courses of Studies prescribed for the Post Graduate degrees (including first degree/Diploma programmes) were not formally approval by the respective Academic bodies of the Private University – such as Board of Studies, Academic Council, Governing Council, etc. (UGC Regulations, 2003 Clause 3.4).
As such on 20th March, 2021, the writer directed the Deputy Registrar, BT University to issue notice for Adhoc Academic committee meeting to be held on 27th March, 2021. The Adhoc Academic committee meeting was organised on the said date and proceedings was also prepared. The committee recommended for creating 3 Faculties of studies, viz. (i) Science, (ii) Arts and (III) Technology including Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The committee also inducted departments for those existing UG/PG subjects. The Academic Council members were constituted on 7th April, 2021 with the approval of the Chancellor, BT University. The Registrar office with the approval of Vice-Chancellor issued notice on 12th April, 2021 for the First Academic Council meeting to be held on 17th April, 2021 at the University Campus, Canchipur.
During the First Academic Council meeting, PhD Regulations drafting committee was constituted and also fixed examination date for Academic session 2020-21 and further resolved that PhD rules and regulations be placed before the next Academic Council meeting. The Examination Committee was constituted on 29th April, 2021 and also constituted University Research Council being consented by the Chancellor, BT University on 17th May, 2021.
For smooth running of the University, proposal was put up for appointment of one retired Professor as Dean (Faculty of Arts) and another retired Professor as Controller of Examinations. The same was approved by the sponsoring body through the Chancellor, BT University. The first Board of Governors meeting was attended virtually on 7th May, 2021 as Vice-Chancellor, BT University. The Registrar office issued office order on 12th May, 2021 regarding draft Ordinance as well as Pre-PhD Course Work Syllabus being consented by the Chancellor on 17th May, 2021. The Registrar office further issued office order on 15th May, 2021 for finalization of PhD draft ordinance and syllabus. The Registrar office further issued office order on 18th May, 2021 stating Chancellor’s consent to the constitution of University Research Council. The Registrar office with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor issued notice on 19th May, 2021 for finalization of draft for PhD Ordinance prepared by the sub-committee.
For PhD Course Work Syllabus and University Research Council meeting was organised on 24th May, 2021 for finalization of PhD Ordinance, Course Work Syllabus and the same was recommended for placing before the next Academic Council meetings. The Registrar office with the approval of Vice-Chancellor issued a notice on 27th May, 2021 for Examination Committee meetings to be held on 29th May, 2021. The meeting was organised on 29th May, 2021 with Vice-Chancellor as Chairman and resolved that the examination be started from 5th July, 2021 and ended by 2nd August, 2021. The Registrar office with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor issued notice on 5th July, 2021 for holding second Examination Committee meeting on 5th June, 2021 and also issued notice for holding 2nd Academic Council meeting on 10th June, 2021 for consideration of Pre-PhD Ordinance prepared by the sub-committee.
The Controller of Examinations with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor issued notice on 1st May 2021 for holding second Examination Committee meeting on 5th June, 2021. The meeting was organized on the said day with Vice Chancellor as the Chairman and fixed programme for the 1st year Examination, 2021. The Second Academic Council meeting was organised on 10th June, 2021 and approved Pre-PhD Course Work Syllabus. The Chancellor, BT University gave his consent on 16th June, 2021 to the proceedings of the first University Research Council meeting held on 2nd May, 2021; Proceedings of the Second Academic Council meeting held on 10th June, 2021 and also full text of PhD  Ordinance, 2021. The Registrar office with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor issued notice on 30th June, 2021 for starting Pre-PhD Course Work through webinar.
The Vice-Chancellor, BT University issued message on 2nd July, 2021 stating best wishes to all examinees for July-August, 2021 Examinations. The VC BT University further submitted certain observations on 14th July, 2021 minutes of the second BOG meeting held on 7th May, 2021 (Virtually).
(To be contd)