Gokhale Institute Dismisses Dr. Ajit Ranade as Vice-Chancellor Over UGC Norm Violations
Gokhale Institute Dismisses Dr. Ajit Ranade as Vice-Chancellor Over UGC Norm Violations
Pune, September 16, 2024: The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has removed Dr. Ajit Ranade from his position as vice-chancellor following a fact-finding committee (FFC) report that found his appointment violated University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. The FFC was formed after a show cause notice was issued to Dr. Ranade by former chancellor Dr. Rajiv Kumar on June 27, 2024. The committee held several meetings, including an in-person hearing with Dr. Ranade at GIPE on September 13, to evaluate the allegations.
In its report submitted to the newly appointed chancellor, Dr. Bibek Debroy, the FFC concluded that Dr. Ranade’s appointment did not adhere to UGC regulations. “Dr. Ajit Ranade’s candidature does not conform to the UGC guidelines, and his appointment is legally untenable,” the report stated, recommending his immediate removal.
The UGC’s June 2023 notification grants the chancellor the authority to remove a vice-chancellor on grounds of incapacity, misconduct, or regulatory violations. Dr. Ranade faced accusations of misrepresenting his qualifications to the UGC and the state government, as well as allegations of financial misconduct, including creating unnecessary posts within the institution, revealed through RTI disclosures.
Based on the FFC’s findings and UGC rules, Chancellor Debroy decided to terminate Dr. Ranade’s tenure as vice-chancellor immediately.
