On Sunday, Sanjeev Sanyal, a prominent member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, announced his acceptance of the Chancellorship of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune. His appointment comes just ten days after Bibek Debroy stepped down from the same position. Sanjeev Sanyal expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the faculty, staff, and students to further enhance GIPE’s established legacy.
Context of the Transition
The recent leadership changes at GIPE stem from a series of events that began when the Bombay High Court extended interim relief to Vice-Chancellor Ajit Ranade, who had been removed from his post. Bibek Debroy, who held the Chancellorship since July, resigned on September 27, following the court’s ruling. His resignation marked a significant shift in the institute’s administration, which has been under scrutiny due to procedural concerns regarding appointments.
Understanding the Chancellor’s Role
Sanjeev Sanyal clarified the nature of his new role in a post on the social media platform X, comparing the Chancellor’s responsibilities to those of a “non-executive chairman.” He highlighted that the position primarily focuses on governance and broad direction, rather than the daily operations of the institution. This clarification indicates that his work with the Economic Advisory Council will continue without interruption.
Background of Recent Events
The controversy surrounding the administration of GIPE intensified when Ajit Ranade’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor was deemed a violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms by a fact-finding committee initiated by Bibek Debroy. After a legal challenge from Ranade, the Bombay High Court ruled in his favor, allowing him to remain in his position temporarily. Debroy’s email to Ranade reflected a tone of support, congratulating him on the court’s decision, further highlighting the complex dynamics within the institution during this transitional period.
