Ajit Ranade resigns as GIPE VC, two weeks after reinstatement | Mumbai news

PUNE: The two-month-long impasse over Ajit Ranade’s appointment as vice-chancellor (VC) at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune ended on Monday with Ranade resigning from the post, citing “personal” reasons. reasons.

Also Read: Ajit Ranade will remain as Gokhale Institute VC till October 7: Mumbai HC

In his resignation letter, Ranade clarified that this move “in no way constitutes my admission of any culpability or impropriety in my appointment as Vice-Chancellor in October 2021.”

Also Read: Sanjeev Sanyal reappoints Ajit Ranade as VC of Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics

Earlier, on October 21, GIPE chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal had reinstated Ranade as VC of the controversial institution.

However, on Monday, Sanyal said: “This is to inform all of you that Dr. Ajit Ranade resigned from the post of Vice-Chancellor of GIPE last week. His resignation letter is enclosed. I later accepted his resignation and also informed the UGC. About the interim arrangements shortly I will send another email.

Also Read: It’s wrong to exclude Ajit Ranade from Pune’s Gokhale Institute: Raj Thackeray

Speaking about the developments, Milind Deshmukh, member of the board of trustees of the Indian Servants Association, which controls GIPE, said: “It is unfortunate to see so much controversy over Ranade’s appointment as VC at GIPE. It impacted the institute’s 90-year legacy. We will discuss the issue at the board meeting scheduled for November 8. Until then, the interim charge of VC will be given to a senior professor at the institute.”

In September this year, Ranade’s mandate was terminated by then-chancellor Bibek Debroy; Bibek Debroy later objected to this decision in court. Ranade was removed from his post on September 14 following a fact-finding committee (FFC) report investigating complaints of irregularities in his appointment. The FFC report had observed that Ranade’s nomination as VC to GIPE, a supposed university in Pune, did not comply with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, including his lack of experience requiring him to hold the post of professor in the university. 10 years.

Later, Sanyal withdrew Debroy’s termination decision. Sanyal, who took office following his appointment as chancellor on October 7, cited procedural fairness and the institute’s reputation as reasons for rescinding Debroy’s dismissal. In his order, he emphasized the importance of upholding the legal process while respecting ongoing legal proceedings.

Ranade’s appointment was marked by difficulties. Recently, an inquiry committee led by Prof Shantishree Pandit in its report stated that he did not have the requisite experience to qualify and also raised serious questions about ethical breach and conflict of interest in his selection as VC.

Ranade’s tenure left a lasting impact on students and GIPE’s reputation.

Under his leadership, student fees have quadrupled while placement opportunities have greatly diminished. Faculty and students have expressed frustration with a work culture that caters to selective interests rather than fostering a collaborative and supportive academic environment. This resignation brings to light critical issues regarding the management and leadership of educational institutions.

“This issue underscores the need for transparent and merit-based processes that truly prioritize students, faculty and the long-term reputation of the institute,” said Adv Kaustubh Patil, who has been opposing Ranade’s appointment on behalf of some students for the last two years. .