A fortnight after being reinstated, Ajit Ranade resigns as GIPE Vice-Chancellor
Hindustan TimesAjit Ranade has resigned from the post of Vice-Chancellor at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics citing “personal” reasons. “I have decided for personal reasons to resign from my post as Vice-Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, with immediate effect,” Ranade stated in his October 29 letter addressed to Sanyal. Speaking about the developments, Milind Deshmukh, a trustee of the Servants of India Society said, “ It’s unfortunate to see such controversy around Ranade’s appointment as V-C in GIPE. Recently an enquiry committee led by Prof Shantishree Pandit in its report stated that he does not have the requisite experience for eligibility and also raised serious questions of Breach of ethics and conflict of interest in his selection as V-C. Ranade’s tenure left a lasting impact on the students and reputation of GIPE. “The issue underscores the need for transparent and merit-based processes that genuinely prioritise students, faculty, and the institute’s long-term reputation,” said Adv Kaustubh Patil, who had also been opposing Ranade’s appointment for the past two years on behalf of some students.