Kamal Ghorui
CHANDIGARH: Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Cheema Vig has been granted a four-month extension, with the Centre issuing a formal notification on March 27, just a day before her tenure was set to end.According to the notification issued by the Secretariat of the Vice-President of India, who is also the Chancellor of Panjab University, the extension will take effect from March 29, 2026. Prof Vig will continue on the existing terms and conditions for a period of four months under provisions of Section 10 of the Panjab University Act, 1947.The development comes amid days of uncertainty over the university’s leadership, with no Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted till the final week of her tenure. The delay had triggered speculation within academic and administrative circles regarding whether the incumbent would be given an extension or replaced through a fresh appointment process.Prof Vig had initially taken over as Acting Vice-Chancellor on January 16, 2023, following the resignation of Prof Raj Kumar. A three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee was constituted on March 21, 2023, and within days she was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor from a pool of over 140 applicants. She formally assumed office on March 29, 2023.In contrast, no such exercise was initiated this time, even as the deadline approached. The extension now provides immediate administrative continuity while giving the authorities additional time to begin and complete the selection process for a regular Vice-Chancellor.The notification, signed by the Secretary to the Vice-President, has also been marked to key authorities including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission, and the Panjab University Registrar for necessary action.With this, the possibility of a leadership vacuum at the university has been averted for now, even as attention is expected to shift towards the constitution of a Search-cum-Selection Committee in the coming weeks.
