Full time VCs appointed for single term

The amendments had changed several conditions governing appointment of VCs, including increasing the maximum age limit from 65 to 70 years while introducing a single four-year unextendable tenure and restricting the university heads from holding other paid or unpaid positions during the term. Private medical practice was also barred under the revised conditions.

The official required applicants to submit detailed information about their academic and administrative experience and included a written statement explaining why they should be appointed. A selection committee scrutinised the applications and shortlisted candidates. "In all, 43 candidates applied for the five positions and the committee shortlisted 10.

The shortlisted names were forwarded to the chief minister for consideration. However, several candidates challenged the selection at the final stage.

The Punjab governor, in his capacity as chancellor of the government medical universities, called the shortlisted candidates for interviews in a departure from the practice in which the governor generally endorsed the recommendations forwarded after approval by the chief minister and provincial cabinet, said a senior health official., there was a difference between the recommendations from the selection exercise and the final choices.

They said Professor Zahra Khanum had been recommended for the FJMU after the chief minister raised objections over other proposed candidates. Medical organisations had objected to the changes in the eligibility criteria, particularly the increase in the age limit, arguing that altering the rules could affect the pool of eligible candidates and the principle of merit.