On Thursday, A Ganapathi took the charge as the
vice-chancellor of Bharathiar University. He said that he wants to turn the
university into a centre with potential for excellence (CPE).
A Ganapathi is a 64-year-old professor of plant biotechnology who said that the university almost made it but fell short of certain parameters like faculty structure and research credentials.
About CPE
Central government has recognized nine universities in India as CPE. These universities are provided with funding from the University Grants Commission for research activities.
Ganapathi is an experienced person and will achieve the above objective by meeting all the department heads and get an understanding of the faculty structure, academics and research work. He has 35 years of teaching and research experience.
The former UGC-BSR emeritus professor at Bharathidasan University said that every department needs to follow the faculty structure of at least one professor, two associate professors and three assistant professors. If there is faculty shortage in any department(s), the university will take necessary steps to fill the vacancies.
Ganapathi said that he is not aware about the allegations of excess faculty in the university and will enquire about it.
To combat the above issue, he said that departments of similar nature could be merged under a school like botany; zoology etc could be merged and called as school of biological sciences.
Ganapathi also emphasized that publishing of research work in peer reviewed international journals is also an important factor. It will be better for the university. He is also looking forward for the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) visit scheduled on March 21.
He also added that he will look into the issues raised by the Bharathiar University Staff Association and the Bharathiar University Teachers Association during the former V-C's tenure. He will discuss them with the syndicate and other officials of the university and will ensure that necessary action is taken to solve the issue.