Pune: Ajit Ranade Resigns As Vice Chancellor Of Gokhale Institute Amid Ongoing Controversies

Pune: Ajit Ranade Resigns As Vice Chancellor Of Gokhale Institute Amid Ongoing Controversies
Pune, November 4, 2024 — Economist Ajit Ranade has resigned as Vice Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), a move he attributed to “personal reasons.” Ranade’s resignation marks the latest development in a period of administrative controversy for the prestigious institution.
Ranade, who was appointed as Vice Chancellor in October 2021, made it clear that his decision to step down “does not in any way indicate my acceptance of any defect or ineligibility” in his appointment. His resignation, effective October 29, comes just weeks after he was reinstated by GIPE Chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal following an earlier dismissal in September by then-chancellor Bibek Debroy.

The dismissal, initiated on September 14, was based on a fact-finding committee (FFC) report that raised concerns regarding Ranade’s qualifications, stating he did not meet the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) requirement of ten years of experience as a professor. Ranade challenged the dismissal in court, maintaining his eligibility.
Sanyal, who became chancellor in October, later rescinded Debroy’s termination order, citing the importance of due process and the institute’s reputation. On Monday, Sanyal confirmed that he had accepted Ranade’s resignation and notified the UGC.
Ranade’s departure leaves GIPE in search of interim leadership, with Sanyal expected to announce further arrangements for the administration shortly.