The State Higher Education department (SHED) in Hyderabad has received a large number of applications for the posts of vice-chancellors for State universities. Currently, 55 applications have been submitted by senior professors from various State universities. However, concerns have been raised about the practice of appointing leaders from within the same university.
A senior official from SHED explained that all the applications received so far are from academicians in Telangana. They expressed disappointment that the State government does not seek applications from academic leaders across the country, limiting opportunities for diverse leadership. The official also criticized the lack of action in making Hyderabad and Telangana a global education hub.
A senior professor from a State university acknowledged that appointing vice-chancellors internally is not a recent phenomenon and has been happening since the time of united Andhra Pradesh. They highlighted that senior academicians from Telugu States have served as vice-chancellors in Central universities and research institutions nationwide. However, the political dispensation and SHED have not allowed a fair competition for leadership positions in State universities, hindering their progress towards global standards.
The State universities are facing autonomy issues and a shortage of funds, making it difficult to attract the best faculty and researchers on a contract basis. As a result, both faculty and leadership positions in the universities are often filled through internal promotions, leading to a lack of diversity and hindering efforts to improve academic and research standards.
