Pune: Economist and political analyst Dr. Ajit Ranade has been sent packing from the post of Vice Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE).

Mr Ranade was issued a termination letter on Saturday by Chancellor, Bibek Debroy after a fact finding committee found his candidature does not conform to the established norms set forth by the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.

The students had alleged that his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune in 2022 was in violation of UGC rules.

 The UGC guidelines stipulates that a Vice-Chancellor must have at least 10 years of experience as a professor in a recognized university or academic institution such as IGIDR, IISC, NCL, or administrative educational institutions like NEILPA, MSFDA, UGC. Mr Ranade does not meet these criteria.

After the allegations by students, Mr Debroy had set-up a Fact-Finding Committee (FFC). The committee ecommended removal of Ranade from his positionm

"The Committee, after careful consideration, is of the opinion that Dr. Ajit Ranade's candidature does not conform to the established norms set forth by the. University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. It is, therefore, legally untenable for him to continue in the role of Vice-Chancellor, as his appointment fails to meet the requisite legal and regulatory criteria for such a position. Consequently, the Committee strongly recommends the removal of Dr. Ajit Ranade from his position as Vice-Chancellor of GIPE, Pune," the committee stated .

After he was sent packing Ranade said, “I am shocked shocking by the decision. I have worked diligently and to the best of my ability, contributing to positive developments in the institute."