Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration led by LG Manoj Sinha has constituted a Search Committee to draw a panel of names for the appointment of Vice-Chancellor (VC) for Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.
As per the order, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Production Department (APD) Atal Dulloo, the Search Committee has been constituted in exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Act, 1982.
"Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a Selection Committee for drawing up a panel of names for appointment to the post of VC of SKUAST-Jammu within three months," the order reads.
As per the order, the committee comprises of Director General Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as its Convener, Chairman University Grants Commission (UGC) or his nominee while Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Production Department J&K Atal Dulloo, Deputy Director General International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Add Tropics (ICRISAT), Telangana Dr. Arvind Kumar are its members.
"Registrar, SKUAST-J shall provide secretarial assistance to the committee with regular updates on the progress to the administrative department for the kind perusal of the Chancellor," the order reads.
Notably, the Search Committee has been constituted after the incumbent VC SKUAST-Jammu Prof J P Sharma attained 65 years of age.
Prof. Sharma was appointed as VC SKUAST Jammu in June 2020 and before that, he served as Joint Director (Ext.) ICAR, New Delhi.
He was appointed as VC SKUAST-Jammu under section 25(1) of the University-1982, for three years "or until he attains the age of 65 years."
While Prof Sharma has demitted the office, the Government has appointed VC SKUAST Kashmir Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai to look after (in-charge) VC SKUAST -Jammu.
The order to this effect was issued by Additional Chief Secretary APD Atal Dulloo.
"Consequent upon the completion of the tenure of Dr. J P Sharma as Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu on January 14, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, VC SKUAST- Kashmir shall hold the charge of the post of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu in addition to his duties," reads the government order.
As per the order, VC SKUAST Kashmir will hold the charge of VC SKUAST Jammu till the Selection Committee draws a final panel for the appointment of a suitable candidate for the post.
(KNO)