'Not eligible': Economist Ranade removed as VC of Gokhale Institute

PUNE: Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) removed noted economist Ajit Ranade as its vice-chancellor Saturday, ending months of controversy over his appointment after claims that he did not fulfil eligibility criteria related to teaching experience. Pune-based GIPE is one of India's oldest economics research and training institutes.

The removal comes after a fact-finding panel appointed by GIPE chancellor Bibek Debroy found that Ranade's appointment does not "conform" to UGC norms. Ranade had been in the job for more than two years. The committee concluded that Ranade did not fulfil the eligibility criteria of 10 years of continuous teaching experience as professor.

Therefore, I have no option but to remove you as vice-chancellor with immediate effect," Debroy said in a letter to Ranade. Kapil Jodh, registrar of GIPE, confirmed the letter of removal.

Calling his removal "unfortunate and shocking", Ranade said in a statement, "For the past two-and-a-half years, I have been working diligently and to the best of my ability, contributing to the positive developments in the institute. These results seem to have been completely ignored."

The fact-finding committee had conducted several meetings and after one on Friday (Sept 13), it recommended that it was legally untenable for Ranade to continue.

Under UGC norms, chancellors can remove vice-chancellors on grounds of incapacity, misrepresentation or violation of regulations.

The committee had heard out Ranade on a show-cause notice issued to him earlier. The show-cause was issued on June 27 by former chancellor Rajiv Kumar following a complaint by a former GIPE faculty member, Murali Krishna, questioning Ranade's appointment and citing his alleged inadequate teaching experience.

Prior to his appointment at GIPE, Ranade was group executive president and chief economist with Aditya Birla Group. He has taught in universities in India and the US and has served as member of several RBI committees, according to his biodata on GIPE's website. He was also a member of a Maharashtra task force on post-pandemic economic recovery.


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