Chennai: Administrative work at Anna University has reportedly slowed down as key files remain pending for months due to the absence of a vice-chancellor.
Across Tamil Nadu, vice-chancellor posts are vacant in 15 universities, including the University of Madras, Anna University, Madurai Kamaraj University and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The vacancies have led to significant administrative difficulties, according to higher education sources.
The delay in appointments is linked to differences of opinion between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor, with no final decision reached so far. In universities without vice-chancellors, a three-member coordination committee—comprising officials such as the Higher Education Department Secretary or the Commissioner of Collegiate Education—has been formed to handle administrative functions and take academic decisions.
At Anna University, the term of former vice-chancellor Prof. Velraj ended in 2024, after which the coordination committee led by the Higher Education Secretary has been overseeing operations. Reports say individual files are awaiting signatures from committee members, the Director of Technical Education and the Higher Education Secretary for as long as two to three months.
For instance, files prepared in June reportedly received approvals only this month, impacting routine administration. Faculty members said the continuing delays are preventing the university from focusing on innovation initiatives, and urged that filling vice-chancellor vacancies is the key to resolving the administrative bottleneck.
