Archive · 8 Jan 2026
VCs Challenge Pathak's Continued AIU Presidency
Some university leaders are upset because Prof. Vinay Pathak is still the president of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) even though his term officially ended.
The government said things should stay the same for six months while they decide what to do with the AIU.
But now that six months are up, some people think Pathak should step down.
The AIU says the government's recent extension of the committee's time means Pathak can stay, but others disagree.
Pathak hasn't said anything about it.
Some university leaders even think Pathak is staying because he's going on a trip to Japan with the AIU.
Vice-chancellors question Prof. Vinay Pathak's continued presidency at AIU after his term ended on June 30, 2023.
Pathak cites a MoE order for maintaining status quo, which the AIU interpreted as allowing key officials to continue.
The six-month status quo period ended on December 22, 2023, but the committee's report is still pending.
The MoE extended the committee's tenure by a month, but the extension letter is silent on the status quo.
Some VCs allege Pathak's continuation is arbitrary and question the AIU's interpretation of the MoE's order.
- Who
- Vice-chancellors of several universities and Prof. Vinay Pathak
- What
- Dispute over the continuation of Prof. Vinay Pathak as AIU president
- When
- The six-month status quo period ended on December 22, 2023
- Where
- India, involving the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE)
- Why
- Allegations of misinterpretation of a government order and arbitrary continuation in office
- Prof. Vinay Pathak
- Current president of AIU and VC of Kanpur University
- AIU
- Association of Indian Universities
- MoE
- Ministry of Education
- Committee Tenure
- Extended to January 22, 2024
- Status Quo Period
- Ended on December 22, 2023