Lucknow, 25 Aug (HS): According to an official release, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has chosen Prof. Poonam Tandon as the next vice chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyay University in Gorakhpur. The Governor, who also serves as the university's chancellor, has named Prof. Poonam Tandon of Lucknow University as the next Vice-Chancellor of Gorakhpur University for a three-year term beginning on the day she takes control, according to a Raj Bhawan statement on Thursday. According to a university source, Vice Chancellor Rajesh Singh's term is set to finish on September 4.

Last month, demonstrations at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University led to the expulsion of 18 Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) students for reportedly assaulting the vice chancellor.

On July 21, students demonstrated against tuition fee increase, unpredictable examination schedules, challenges experienced by research researchers, and hostel allotment. When the vice chancellor and other officials emerged from their office to address the students, the situation had deteriorated, with some students allegedly assaulting Singh and other officials and vandalizing the VC's office. A video of the event was also distributed on social media.

The institution later dismissed 18 students and barred six outsiders from entering campus. All of those arrested are members of the RSS's student branch, the ABVP, and were involved in the July 21 rally that became violent.

Meanwhile, Prof Vandana Singh of Allahabad University, Prayagraj has been named vice chancellor of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur by the governor. Prof. Vandana Singh has been appointed for a three-year term beginning on the date she takes office, according to the release.

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi