Ex-RPCAU chief scientist is new PU VC

PATNA: Governor-cum-chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Tuesday appointed Ajay Kumar Singh, former chief scientist of Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) and Patna University’s (PU) former pro-vice-chancellor (pro-VC) as the new vice-chancellor of the state capital-based varsity for a term of three years.
According to a notification issued by Raj Bhavan here, the governor appointed Singh as the VC of PU after effective and meaningful consultation with the state govt, exercising the powers vested under him under the Patna University Act, 1976 (as amended up-to-date).
Earlier on the day, chief minister Nitish Kumar visited Raj Bhavan and made effective consultations with the governor on the panel of names recommended by the search committee.
The office of the PU vice-chancellor fell vacant after the completion of the term of Girish Kumar Chaudhary who was later appointed the chairman of Bihar State University Service Commission. Nalanda Open University’s vice-chancellor Krishna Chandra is presently officiating as the vice-chancellor of PU.
The search committee for the appointment of PU VC had submitted its panel of names to the Raj Bhavan a few months back, but the name was not announced owing to the parliamentary elections.
The new incumbent, having already served as the PU’s pro-vice-chancellor for three years, is fully acquainted with its working. Academics hope that research work would get impetus under him.