‘Fixing accountability, initiating projects to produce skilled workforce top priorities': Himachal Pradesh University V-C

Indian Express

03-06-2025

After being appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University on Monday, Prof. Mahavir Singh shared with The Indian Express that his top priorities would be establishing accountability and enhancing the standard of research. He also emphasised the need to create centres to produce skilled students, particularly in the field of Green Energy. Meanwhile, a regular Vice Chancellor of HPU Shimla was appointed after a gap of three years.
Q: What are your priorities as the V-C?
HPU is a prestigious institute, but our university lacks projects relevant to modern times. For instance, when the entire country, especially Himachal Pradesh, is talking about Green Energy, I feel HPU should have a separate wing to deliver skilled scholars in this field. Second, I believe the standard of research at the university should be improved. When I joined HPU as a faculty member, the standard of research at that time was quite higher than what we see today. Third, student exchange programmes are very important for their growth and the growth of the university.
Q: HPU had no regular V-C for three years. Do you think this has hurt the university's progress?
Besides communication gaps, there were certain shortcomings in day-to-day proceedings in the absence of a regular Vice-Chancellor. Also, the person with the additional V-C charge couldn't come to the university every day. Shortcomings include indiscipline on the part of students as well as faculty members. I will take feedback from every individual to help increase and fix accountability. There is no doubt that HPU staff and faculty members are very hardworking, but what they need is direction.
Q: How are you going to address the financial crunch issue? In 2025-26, HPU had prepared an estimated budget of Rs 300 crore but received Rs 152 crore, the same amount it had in 2024-25.
I have been a member of the HPU Executive Committee (EC) for a long time, so I understand this problem. Merely increasing the students' fees is not the solution. We have to develop means to generate revenue, like introducing professional courses. I have decided to take up the matter with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, because the past two to three financial years saw HPU receiving the same budget, approximately Rs 152 crore. The liabilities, particularly of pensioners, have been increasing every year. The university should be able to bear these liabilities.
Q: Have you been expecting your selection as the V-C?
I was among the top five shortlisted contenders. The search and screening committee interviewed me, too. I was hopeful that I would be selected for this responsibility.