TN will take steps to appoint V-Cs to state universities soon, says higher education minister Viswanathan

Chennai: Tamil Nadu govt will take steps to appoint vice-chancellors to state universities soon, higher education minister P Viswanathan told reporters on Monday.

As many as 15 of 22 state universities have been functioning without a vice-chancellor for several months due to a tussle between former Governor R N Ravi and DMK govt regarding the inclusion of the UGC’s nominee in the VC search panels. The issue is pending before Madras high court.

“We will discuss key issues, including the financial crisis in state universities, VC vacancies and the huge number of faculty positions vacant in state universities, with chief minister C Joseph Vijay and take a call,” Viswanathan said.

He chaired a meeting to review the college admissions in the state.

“We will announce the engineering counselling schedule while releasing the rank list on June 29,” he said. The last date to apply for engineering admissions was extended from June 2 to June 5. For BArch course, candidates can apply till June 20.

Parents and students can clarify their doubts regarding engineering admissions by contacting TNEA facilitation centres.

For Tamil Nadu Govt Arts and Science Colleges, the Directorate of Collegiate Education received 2.24 lakh applications for 1.26 lakh seats. Due to the age limit extension, this year 1,600 candidates aged between 21 and 40 have applied. The counselling for special categories will be conducted on June 5 and 6. The general counselling will be conducted on June 8 at the respective colleges.

The classes for the second-year and third-year students will begin on June 15. The classes for first-year students will begin on July 1.

Higher education secretary V Arunroy, commissioner of collegiate education E Sundaravalli, director of technical education S Visakan and other officials participated in the meeting.