Ajit Ranade removed from the post of Vice Chancellor, citing UGC rules; Economist called it unfortunate

Renowned economist Dr Ajit Ranade was removed from the post of Vice Chancellor of Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) on Saturday. According to the institute, Ranade’s appointment violates the norms of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The prestigious institute had constituted a committee to investigate the issue after questions were raised on Ranade’s appointment. In a letter written by the institute to Ranade, it was said that the committee is of the opinion that his candidature is not in accordance with the criteria set by the UGC guidelines, hence he is being removed from the post. Reacting to this development, Ranade said in a statement that this is a really unfortunate and shocking decision.

Pune-based GIPE is one of the oldest research and training institutes in India. According to the fact-finding committee formed by Chancellor Bibek Debroy, Ranade does not meet the criteria of 10 years of continuous teaching experience as a professor. In a letter to Ranade, Debroy said that therefore I have no other option but to remove you from the post immediately. Reacting to his removal, Ranade said that for the last two and a half years, I have been working with full dedication and to the best of my ability. I am contributing to positive development in the institute. He said that it seems that these works of mine have been completely ignored.

The fact finding committee had held several meetings. After the meeting held on 13 September, the committee said that Ranade cannot legally hold his post. According to UGC rules, the Chancellor can remove the Vice Chancellor from his post if a case of violation of rules or incompetence comes to light. It is worth noting that GIPE faculty member Murali Krishna had raised questions on Ranade’s appointment by making the issue of his insufficient teaching experience. After this, former Chancellor Rajiv Kumar had issued a show cause notice to Ranade on 27 June.

Prior to his appointment in GIPE, Ranade was the Group Executive President and Chief Economist at Aditya Birla Group. He has taught at various universities in India and the US. According to Ranade’s biodata on the GIPE website, Ranade has also served as a member on various committees of RBI. He has also been a part of Maharashtra’s task force on economic recovery after Covid.