Umakant Dash, director of Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat, has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE). The order, issued on July 2 by chancellor Sanjeev Sanyal, states Dash’s five-year term begins on July 29. Dash has nearly two decades of experience in academia and research with institutes of national and international repute, reports Ardhra Nair.
Before joining IRMA, he was professor and head of the department of humanities and social sciences at IIT-Madras, and adjunct professor at IIM-Tiruchirappalli.
“I am not familiar with the background of earlier controversies. However, as vice-chancellor, it is my responsibility to engage with all stakeholders and work towards fostering unity and collaboration,” Dash said.
GIPE was at the centre of a controversy last year when questions were raised about the appointment of then VC, Ajit Ranade, culminating in chancellor Bibek Debroy’s resignation. Ranade had also resigned citing personal reasons.
