Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Repeated VC Terms Raise Concerns Over Policy Stasis
Some leaders of central universities have stayed in their jobs longer than five years.
Two vice-chancellors were given new five-year terms after university rules were changed.
Five other vice-chancellors received extensions in July.
Some academics and activists say university leaders should not remain in the same job for so long.
They also say the government should begin finding replacements earlier.
The article does not include a response from the government.
President Droupadi Murmu approved five-year second terms for Delhi University VC Yogesh Singh and Allahabad University VC Sangita Srivastava.
The universities’ executive councils recommended amendments to statutes that had barred incumbent vice-chancellors from serving a second term.
In July, Murmu approved tenure extensions for five other central university vice-chancellors.
Miranda House faculty member Abha Dev Habib said ten years was too long to lead an educational institution.
RTI activist Naveen Nautiyal criticized delays in advertising VC posts and said extensions reflected policy paralysis.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu approved second terms for Yogesh Singh and Sangita Srivastava, and extensions for five other vice-chancellors.
- What
- Several central university vice-chancellors received second terms or tenure extensions.
- When
- The two second terms were approved in the last three months; five extensions were approved in July.
- Where
- Central universities in India, including Delhi University and Allahabad University.
- Why
- The article reports that university councils recommended rule changes for the second terms; it does not state a reason for the extensions.
Critics
Official decisions
Second terms and long tenures
Critics
Abha Dev Habib argued that ten years is too long for one person to lead an educational institution.
Official decisions
Murmu approved five-year second terms for Yogesh Singh and Sangita Srivastava following university executive council recommendations.
Timing of appointments
Critics
Naveen Nautiyal said the government does not advertise VC vacancies on time and described extensions as policy paralysis.
Official decisions
The article reports that the government approved extensions but does not provide an official explanation or response.
- Approving authority
- President Droupadi Murmu, acting as Visitor of central universities
- Second terms
- Five-year terms for Yogesh Singh and Sangita Srivastava
- Universities with second terms
- Delhi University and Allahabad University
- Rule changes
- Executive councils recommended amendments to statutes that barred second terms
- Other extensions
- Five central university vice-chancellors received tenure extensions in July
- Criticism
- An academic and an RTI activist criticized long tenures and delayed appointment processes