Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University got first woman Vice-Chancellor in Dr Manali Kshirsagar on December 2, 2025. Since taking over the charge on December 5, 2025, she is yet to choose the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-V-C) of the university. The Maharashtra Public University Act 2016 has vested powers on Pro-Vice Chancellor and appointment of a suitable person can ease the academic and administrative load of Vice-Chancellor. According to sources, the university administration is citing the reason of model code of conduct that came into effect on December 15, 2025 for the local body polls.

 

Similar issue was raised in the Senate meeting when Umred MLA Sanjay Meshram, nominated on the Senate, had pointed out that a meeting could not be held as code of conduct was in force. Then the elections of Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat were declared. But the University administration had brought to his notice that the Senate meeting had nothing to do with the elections. Similarly, now some top lawyers told ‘The Hitavada’ that the Pro-V-C’s appointment can be made.

 

As per the Section 13 (6) of the Maharashtra Public University Act, 2016, the powers lie with the Vice-Chancellor who is expected to recommend a person for the post of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor to the Management Council. The Management Council shall, on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor, appoint Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the university. Section 13 (3) of the Act describes the position of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor who shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Deans, Board of Sub-campuses, Board of University