MYSURU: In a first in the appointment of new vice chancellors (VCs) to state universities, the University of Mysore VC search committee wants the state government to verify the documents and claims made by all the three shortlisted candidates for the top post. This is expected to further delay the appointment of the VC to the university which is vacant since January 2017 after Prof K S Rangappa demitted office.According to highly placed sources in the state higher education department, Mysore varsity VC search committee headed by H P Khincha has recommended that the state government verify the claims made by all the three academicians for the post. The committee wants the state government to verify all the documents and information submitted by the candidates via their parent university.The VC search committee which met on July 6 in Bengaluru has shortlisted three names for the VC's post. The names have been submitted to the state higher education department in a sealed cover.Sources in the state higher education department say the search committee has recommended that the state government verify the documents and claims made by all the three shortlisted candidates to ensure that the appointment will not spark off any controversy. "The committee wants the state government to forward the documents and CV submitted by all the three shortlisted candidates to their parent university and get a verification certificate to ensure that in future committee members will not be dragged into any controversy. This has put the state government in a tricky situation," explained sources in the state higher education department.Said, prof V B Coutinho, search committee member, "the committee chairman proposed this idea. It is not against anyone.'' He confirmed that it is the first time such an exercise is being recommended while appointing a new VC."Document verification is part of all government appointments including assistant professors in universities. So what is wrong in verifying the documents of a VC,'' he adds.But sources in the state higher education department informed that the state government is not keen on the verification process. "The idea is good. But will lead to more controversies," they fear.

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