Perform or perish, new Governor warns VCs

Feb. 8: The Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, on Monday warned vice-chancellors of universities in the state of “severe consequences” if they fail to stick to the academic schedule.
His stern words at his first meeting with the vice-chancellors, held in Jubilee Hall, came against the backdrop of violence on university campuses and the academic year going haywire over the the Telangana issue since last December.
Mr Narasimhan asked the VCs to submit quarterly performance reports on universities regularly.
“If anyone deviates from their duties and violates norms, they may probably have to face severe consequences. I am not known to talk diplomatically. I hope you all got my point right,” he said.
The VCs looked visibly shaken following the Governor’s sharp remarks in his inaugural address.
“You should remember there are no free lunches. You have to perform. All universities must prepare a yearly academic calendar and stick to the schedule on exams and results under any circumstances. You should earn the blessings of parents and not their curse. Don’t just permit new colleges. Ensure they have minimum standards,” he added. “We cannot go back on exams. If we go back, it will set back the careers of lakhs of students by a year.”