Varanasi: Being in highlights for mishandling the incidents of alleged molestation and protests, vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, Girish Chandra Tripathi goes on leave.
The V-C, who was scheduled to retire on November 30, cited personal reasons for taking the indefinite leave on Monday, University sources said. Meanwhile, the Union HRD Ministry has initiated the process of choosing the new vice-chancellor, reports Hindustan Times.
Last week, the university had uploaded an advertisement on its website seeking applications for the V-C’s post over the next one month.
Also Read: Chief Proctor resigns from post, takes ‘moral responsibility’ for recent incidents
As per the BHU Act, if the university head goes on leave, the Rector will act as the head and, in the Rector’s absence, the University Registrar will assume charge as V-C. The replacement has to be now decided by the HRD Ministry.
University administration called the police to the campus after an incident of alleged harassment. A number of students were injured in the police lathi-charge after they protested.
Tripathi had claimed he would resign if asked to go on leave.