Mumbai University V-C to be asked to quit?

Mumbai: Under fire from the Opposition due to the delay in announcing the Mumbai University (MU) final year results, vice-chancellor (V-C) Sanjay Deshmukh is unlikely to be able to hold on to his post for long. The buzz in the corridors of power has been that Dr Deshmukh, who hails from Vidarbha, enjoyed the support of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had endeavoured to bring in young and dynamic faces to lead reputed educational institutions in the state.

According to sources, which are close to both, the relation between the two has soured in the last few months. The CM has been made aware about the complaints against Dr Deshmukh’s style of working, said a source. As a result, Mr Fadnavis is said to be “disappointed and unlikely to intervene” on Dr Deshmukh’s behalf. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray and former V-C, Bhalchandra Mungekar have called for his dismissal.  Student organisations have also been pressing for his dismissal. But the state government has said it would first ensure that the results are cleared and only then take any action. Sources indicate that Dr Deshmukh may not be sacked, but will be given the option to resign on moral grounds.

The chaos in the assessment of papers and the delay in announcing results has negatively impacted the BJP’s profile, said sources. Since it came to power in the state, the BJP inducted many new faces in educational institutions, who were expected to be role models in administration.

Dr Deshmukh had earlier been attached with Rambhau Mhalagi Prabodhini, Uttan, Thane, which is seen as think tank for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, for a few assignments. He has also worked with railway minister Suresh Prabhu, when he was environment minister in NDA-1 government.

Students irate, frustrated

Complaints from students waiting for their results continue to flood all social media platforms. Post-Graduation colleges that are affiliated to Mumbai University are waiting for the results to come out before they start with their classes. However, other universities like the Pune University, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, or those that are abroad, are out of reach for MU students. We spoke to some students for their reactions to how this three-month-long waiting period for results has impacted them.