UGC acting head's term extended by 3 months

New Delhi: Still looking to fill the post of University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, the Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has extended the term of V.S. Chauhan, the officiating head of the Commission, a ministry official confirmed.

Chauhan, whose stay has been extended by three months now, has been the acting Chairman of the commission since April when the former Chairman Ved Prakash's tenure ended.

Speaking to the IANS, an HRD Ministry official said that Chauhan's term was extended by three months after his temporary term of six months expired early in October.

As per the UGC Act 1956, in case of a 'casual vacancy' at the top, the Vice Chairman officiates as the Chairman till the time a permanent appointment is made. Chauhan was made the officiating head since the post of even the Vice Chairman is vacant at the commission.

However, the Act prescribes an appointment so made cannot exceed for more than six months.