Mon Nov 25 19:06:43 UTC 2024: ## Madras University Crisis Deepens: Former VCs Demand Government Action

**Chennai, November 26, 2024** – The University of Madras is facing a deepening crisis, with former Vice-Chancellors and professors blaming the Tamil Nadu state government for its financial woes and lack of leadership. The university has been without a permanent Vice-Chancellor for 15 months due to a dispute between the state government and the Governor (Chancellor) over appointment procedures. Currently, a three-member committee is managing the institution, a situation deemed inadequate by critics.

The government’s refusal to release block grants, citing audit objections, has exacerbated the problem. Earlier this year, the Income Tax department even froze the university’s accounts, claiming insufficient state funding. Former professors describe a decline in the university’s standing since 2006, citing poor financial management and a decline in academic engagement.

Former Vice-Chancellors argue that the audit objections are not the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor, but rather a systemic issue. They suggest a joint effort between auditors and university officials to resolve these issues and a high-power committee to address the overall crisis. They also criticize the state government for effectively disowning the university by withholding funds, a tactic they say is not applied to centrally funded institutions facing similar issues.

University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Jagadesh M. Kumar emphasized the need for a permanent Vice-Chancellor and a long-term plan for the university’s financial stability. He suggested exploring avenues such as industrial collaborations to supplement funding. A member of the university’s convener committee echoed the need for stable administration and financial planning, highlighting the university’s low ranking in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) compared to its peers. The state government has appealed the UGC’s directives to the Supreme Court. The situation underscores a pressing need for decisive government action to revive the prestigious institution.

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