CHENNAI: For the 2024-25 academic year, the University of Madras (UoM) is all set to organise 167th convocation on January 22.

However, speculations abound, including the lack of a syndicate meeting for necessary approvals before conducting the event. Various stakeholders confirmed to DT Next that so far there has been no confirmation on the budget for conducting the convocation, nor was a discussion held about who will sign the degree certificates as the varsity does not have a Vice Chancellor (V-C).

UoM has been convening several meetings with the organising committees but the reason for not conducting the vital syndicate meeting is still unknown. Yet again, the need for prompt appointment of a V-C in every TN university is stressed upon by the stakeholders.

On January 17, UoM released the agenda with provisional minutes of the syndicate in circulation.

This circular requested the syndicate members for their remarks/corrections to proceed with the convocation before 11 am on Monday.

Governor RN Ravi will preside over the convocation. Though syndicate members agree that the intimation is seen as seeking approval to conduct the event, there are questions about the budget, when the university is already knee-deep in financial crisis.

It’s also noteworthy that convocation expenses above Rs 25 lakh can only be approved by the syndicate. A syndicate member told DT Next that the regular procedure for UoM was to seek approval from the syndicate for conducting the convocation by discussing key points.

“For instance, for 2023-24 AY’s convocation, a syndicate meeting was held with the then Higher Education secretary Pradeep Yadav,” the member added.

“During this meeting, it was clarified that due to the lack of a V-C, after checking the legality of the matter, Yadav could sign the degree certificates.

However, no such meeting took place this year to discuss the budget and sig- nature.” The member also questioned the delay in releasing the syndicate in circulation agenda and provisional minutes.

“It’s said that Governor Ravi had confirmed his attendance for the convocation in November itself. So, why was there a delay in discussing this with the syndicate,” he asked.

For the convocation, Higher Education Secretary P Shankar is signing the degree certificates. But, educationalists and senior professors argued that tenured academicians should sign these certificates like a V-C or an academician from the convenor committee.

“Department secretaries are transferred frequently. But, V-Cs/academicians hold their credibility, having published various research papers throughout their career.

Also, to avoid any legal repercussions in the future, it’s imperative that degree certificates are signed by a reliable authority related to the field until a V-C is appointed,” said a retired professor.

P Duraisamy, former V-C of University of Madras, stressed the need to appoint a V-C in every TN varsity. “The appointment of a VC is non-negotiable.

Even a registrar cannot fill the gap. Over time, the absence of a V-C will have a deep impact on the institution and education.”