PANJIM: The Laxmikant Parsekar government finally managed to convince Governor Mridula Sinha to grant Goa University Vice Chancellor Dr Satish Shetye a year’s extension in service. The Governor, who is also the University Chancellor, on Saturday signed the ordinance issued by the government to grant the extension to the VC. GU registrar Vijayendra Kamat has also been granted an extension.
A day after Sinha directed the government to relieve Dr Shetye from service with immediate effect, the cabinet on Friday through a note by circulation decided to promulgate an ordinance extending the VC’s term. The Chief Minister’s office moved the file to the cabinet ministers for their signatures.
An ordinance is normally decided through an internally-circulated note only
in the event of an emergency.
Shetye was due to retire as he turned 65, the age for superannuation under the varsity’s existing statutes. He had, however, completed three years as VC. The government was of the view that he should be allowed to complete a full five-year tenure and as such be granted an extension by two years. However, the Chancellor did not agree to this which forced the ordinance.
On Thursday the Chief Minister held an emergency meeting with the Governor on the issue, expressing his displeasure over her decision not to grant the extension.
This is a second time the Governor has turned down a government recommendation. Earlier Sinha had returned the file proposing parole to Nuvem MLA Francisco (Mickky) Pacehco, who was released from jail earlier this month.
The university, based on UGC guidelines, had recently sought to amend this statute to bring it on par with those of universities nationally so that a VC can serve in office for five years, irrespective of age. Government had proposed to increase the age limit from 65 years to 70 years.
