College principals over 60 to go

MUMBAI: A recent University of Mumbai directive has made it compulsory for college principals to graduate to a retired life at 60.
The circular has sent college managements into a tizzy, given that principals are already in short supply thanks to a UGG norm which requires all principals to hold a Ph D.
While government rules stipulate an official retirement age of 60, the varsity has so far been liberal with its superannuation policy, permitting principals to remain in office until the age of 65.
The varsity circular directing colleges to replace all 60-plus principals by December 31, 2003, has college managements worried. Three years ago, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a notice stating that all new appointees to the post of principal must have a doctrate.
“This has made it very difficult to find qualified teachers with ample administrative experience for the post,’’ said K.A. Vishwanathan, trustee of SIES College.Already, according to university officials, as many as 92 colleges have ad hoc or in-charge principals because of the UGC requirement.
Among the principals declared over the hill are N W Shivdasani of Jai Hind College, M.G. Srihatti of Lala Lajpatrai College of Commerce, M K Desai of Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and A.D. Mascarenhas of St Andrew’s College, Bandra (West).
SIES science college principal V. Padmanabhan, who is due to retire on September 30, said, “The university is under tremendous pressure to abide by the UGC guidelines.’’ Mr Padmanabhan, who has been SIES principal for eight years, added that, in the short run, colleges may find it difficult to get senior teachers with Ph.Ds to serve principals. “The younger teachers should take note of this development and gear up for the future,’’ he said.
To justify their new retirement policy, varsity officials pointed out that principals over 60 did not draw their salary from the government but are paid by their college managements.
“This could prevent them from questioning the management in matters concerning college administration,’’ university official said. The official added that the move would make way for younger teachers to take on the responsibility of steering the college.
“But what about valuing our experience?’’ asked Mr Mascarenhas, who has challenged the varsity’s decision to disapprove his reappointment under the superannuation policy in court.He also claimed that the university approved the reappointment of principals in a very arbitrary manner.