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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Prof Manuka Khanna takes charge as acting VC of LU
Professor Manuka Khanna, pro vice-chancellor of Lucknow University, has taken charge as the acting vice-chancellor of the university. She succeeds Prof Alok Kumar Rai, who was appointed director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta earlier this month. Acting VC Prof Manuka Khanna with outgoing VC Prof Alok Kumar Rai. (HT Photo) Following Prof Rai's appointment, the university has already invited applications for the post of regular vice-chancellor. According to a letter issued by Raj Bhavan dated July 27: 'In consequence of Prof Alok Kumar Rai being selected as director of IIM-Calcutta, a letter regarding his relieving from the post of vice-chancellor has been submitted, requesting to relieve him from the afternoon of July 27.' 'The chancellor of Lucknow University, governor Anandiben Patel, exercising powers under Section 12(10) of the Uttar Pradesh State Universities Act, 1973, appointed Prof Manuka Khanna to discharge the duties of the vice-chancellor for a term not exceeding six months or until further orders, whichever is earlier, until the appointment of a regular vice-chancellor.' The order also specifies that no additional salary or allowances will be payable to Prof Khanna in this interim role. Prof Rai will be deemed relieved of his duties as vice-chancellor from July 27 afternoon. Prof Khanna brings with her nearly 37 years of teaching experience. A graduate from Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow in 1985, she completed her post-graduation in political science from Lucknow University in 1987, earning three gold medals. She completed her PhD from Lucknow University in 1992. She joined LU's political science department as an assistant professor in November 1990, became associate professor in 1999, and was promoted to professor in 2007. She served as the head of the department from April 13, 2021, to April 13, 2024. She was appointed dean, Recruitment and Assessment Cell, in April 2020, a post she continues to hold. She became pro vice-chancellor on May 31, 2024, and has supervised 22 PhD scholars. WOMEN POWER AT LU Vice-chancellor: Prof Manuka Khanna Finance officer: Himani Choudhary Accounts officer: Antara Banerjee Dean, academics: Geetanjali Mishra Hon. librarian: Prof Keya Pandey Director, Sanskritiki: Anchal Srivastava Director, Institute of Management Sciences: Vineeta Kachar Director, Giri Lal Institute: Prof Shalie Malik
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Days before his new ‘job', LU VC-led exec council clears key appointments, promotions
The executive council of the Lucknow University (LU) headed by outgoing vice chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai cleared the appointments of 21 faculty members and 17 promotions as part of Career Advancement Scheme on Saturday. This was the last executive council meeting held before Prof Rai joins the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, (IIM-C) as its director. A view of the Lucknow University. (HT file) During the executive council meeting, one assistant professor each in education, English (French), social work (contractual) and social work respectively, two assistant professors in law, three assistant professors in CS engineering, four associate professors in CS engineering, one associate professor each psychology and sociology, one professor each sociology and social work respectively were appointed. Besides, three resident medical officers (allopathy) and one resident medical officer (homeopathy) were also appointed. The executive council also cleared promotions for three faculty members of the sociology department– Pawan Kumar, Prof Pratibha Raj and Prof Pramod Kumar. Thirteen faculty members of the law department were also promoted. They are Prof Alok Kumar Yadav, Prof Anurag Kumar Srivastava, Prof Abhishek Kumar Tewari, Prof Varun Chhachar, Prof Radhey Shyam Prasad and Prof Rajeev Singh Rathi, Archana Singh, Kalindri, Richa Saxena, Ashish Kumar Srivastav, Chandra Sen Pratap Singh, Mrinalni Singh and Bhanu Pratap Singh. Besides, Vaishali Saxena of the public administration department was also promoted. One-year postgraduate programme and the detailed curriculum also received approval during the meeting. The admissions are now open for a one-year PG programme as per New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Students eligible under the NEP framework, i.e. those with a four-year undergraduate degree with research, can apply. The new programme will run alongside the university's existing two-year postgraduate courses, thereby providing opportunities for advanced study to students with a three-year undergraduate background as well. Earlier in August 2024, an ordinance related to the one-year PG structure was passed after which, the Boards of Studies of various departments prepared subject-specific courses, which were approved by the executive council.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
I've proved my academic management skill in past 5.5 years: LU VC Prof Alok Kumar Rai
Days after he was appointed as the director of Institute of Management–Calcutta (IIM–C), Lucknow University VC Prof Alok Kumar Rai said that he was selected purely on merit, and not due to some political connection. Reacting to concerns shown by some faculty members of IIM–C on his appointment, Rai cited his accomplishments as LU VC and clarified that the post of director calls for supervising the academic management and not teaching. "I will have to supervise academic management, which I have proved I am good at during 5.5 years of my tenure as LU VC," he told TOI's Mohita Tewari in a free-wheeling interview. Excerpts... You are set to head a top B-school amid criticism from a section of academic fraternity, which call your appointment a political one. They also talk about your non-IIM background, and your lack of experience in handling the IIM system. It's not at all a political appointment but a procedural one. All laid down procedures have been adhered to. Also, as such there is no 'criticism' but some disagreements or differences in opinion, which are always welcomed. I haven't applied for a professorial position there; IIM-C is an academic administration. You will have to evaluate me based on my competence of being able to perform as an academic administrator of the institute. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You! Private Jet I Search Ads Learn More Undo The criteria should be: 'Will I be able to deliver the same way as I have done at LU. One should assess me on the basis of what I can; I have a list of accomplishments as an academic administrator. During your term as VC, there were allegations that despite LU being a NAAC A++ University, it struggled with poor infrastructure, and your achievements were more about marketing. LU has very limited resources. Till date, our priority is to pay salaries to our teaching and non-teaching staff; pay off electricity bills and clear Nagar Nigam dues. Despite facing a severe financial crunch, there has been a lot of infrastructure augmentation. Our second campus revamp gives a feel of a new campus while at our old campus we have also improved our infrastructure with whatever money we had and from whatever sources we could arrange. No system is foolproof. Whenever we track progress, we track it from base value -- where we were and where we have reached. We couldn't work for Lal Baradari and the Canning college building which houses several arts faculty departments. We had plans to revamp it with help of Rs 100 crore sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM USHA), but the grant is yet to be received. University Grants Commission (UGC) grants LU a category 1 status, which is given to only those that demonstrate high academic standards and are recognized for their quality and performance. Still, there are allegations that professors are not taking classes, and teaching is dependent on research scholars When I joined LU as VC, there was a system of guest faculty/subject experts who were taking classes in most of the departments due to lack of teachers. They would take one class of one hour someday and skip it on other days. They had no responsibility. This system was changed, and we recruited self-financed teachers after a rigorous recruitment drive. Assistant professors recruited since 2021 are known for taking regular classes. In academic institutions, one can't stand with a stick to make professors teach… What have been the major accomplishments in the past 5.5 years of your tenure? I believe as a VC I have strengthened the academic ecosystem and have done research rejuvenation. Now teachers publish research work they take pride in, communicate to social media, talk about the impact factor to the media. When I joined, most of the teachers were not aware of the H index, a metric used to assess the scientific productivity and impact of an individual researcher or a group of researchers of the university. Today, the H index of LU has increased by almost 50%, which proves that there is a research culture inculcation. Today, when most universities are thinking of implementing National Education Policy, our UG four-year NEP students have graduated, and we are pursuing one year PG under NEP. Today, we have assistant professors who have brought projects worth crores in just one year, teachers with fellowship and awards, which reflects quality recruitment. Also, we have built a highly responsive system, even a complaint on X by a student is attended to and resolved in no time. How do you see your new responsibility in comparison with your present term as state vice chancellor. When are you joining IIM-C? I am supposed to join IIM-C before Aug 15. I am really excited to take up this new responsibility. In comparison to LU, IIM-C will be a place where I don't expect to face trivial issues. The kind of challenges there would be of different nature, like placement records.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Simulation lab to help LU managementstudents enhance critical thinking
Lucknow: Laughter, strategy, and sharp decision-making filled the air as the department of management studies at Lucknow University transformed into an arena of experiential learning. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a fusion of fun and function, management students stepped away from traditional classrooms to engage with real-world business scenarios through games that teach, challenge, and inspire during the inauguration of the newly established Simulation Lab on Friday. The event showcased eight simulation-based games designed to enhance business acumen, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in an interactive format. Among the highlights was HR UNBOX, inspired by Adobe's 'Check-In' model, which emphasized employee engagement and effective feedback systems. BizCrux, a multidisciplinary board game, encouraged strategic collaboration across departments. BoardRush, a car-themed simulation, immersed students in real-life case studies, blending creativity with analytical thinking. Cincinnati Seasonings taught supply chain strategies by challenging players to balance cost efficiency with customer satisfaction. Dean, faculty of management studies, Sangeeta Sahu said, "The Simulation Lab is not just a space, it's a mindset shift. We want our students to experience the thrill of decision-making, collaboration, and strategic thinking as it happens in real corporate environments. These games are designed to ignite curiosity and build capabilities that go beyond textbooks." Vice Chancellor, Alok Kumar Rai said, "Today's corporate world demands more than theoretical knowledge, it requires adaptability, innovation, and ethical judgment. This Simulation Lab is a leap towards that future. It brings the boardroom into the classroom and prepares our students to become thoughtful, responsible leaders."
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
240 professionals apply for 30 seats in LU executive MBA course
Lucknow: From civil servants to govt officials, Lucknow University 's executive MBA course is attracting many applicants. Till date, LU has received 240 applications for admission to 30 seats of the course. According to LU officials, the Executive MBA programme, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers and enhance their leadership skills, offers the ease of studying while working without the need to visit the campus. The two-year, full-time course focuses on practical application and strategic thinking, aiming to develop analytical and innovative thinkers capable of tackling complex management challenges. This has aligned well with the work profiles of several individuals. "Not just our Executive MBA course, but all our management courses have received a good response in terms of applications. The biggest reason behind this positive response is the complete rejuvenation of our management education, under which our management department was made a management faculty," said LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai. He said that earlier several types of management courses were being run. For example, different types of BBA courses were running, all of which were synchronised, and only those in demand by the industry or employment-oriented courses are being offered in accordance with the National Education Policy. As a result, the response for all our management courses improved, and there is a rise in demand from 6% to 13%. "Our Executive MBA further strengthens our management faculty as it brought in a new set of students who were working professionals from different sectors, including even those who are in top positions in their organisations. It's just one year since the introduction of this course, and this year its demand has increased manifold," said the VC. He said that the programme's flexible structure allows participants to balance their professional commitments whilst pursuing higher education. Many applicants are drawn to the networking opportunities the course provides, as it brings together professionals from various sectors. The overwhelming response, with 240 applications for just 30 seats, demonstrates the programme's reputation and relevance.
