Prof. Govardhan has been appointed as the new in-charge Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (IIIT Basara), Telangana, following a series of student protests last month.
The Department of Higher Education, Government of Telangana, issued the official order on October 15, appointing Prof. Govardhan, a senior professor from the Department of Computer Science & Technology and former Rector of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad, to the position.
This move replaces Prof. V Venkata Ramana, the former in-charge VC, whose resignation had been demanded by students protesting against issues such as poor infrastructure, lack of transparency, and mismanagement at the university. The protests, which took place in September, also highlighted concerns over fee reimbursement and administrative inefficiency.
The Telangana Students Association for Solidarity (TSAS) welcomed the new appointment and expressed optimism about working with Prof. Govardhan to address student concerns and improve the university. “We wholeheartedly welcome Prof. Govardhan and believe his leadership will bring progress, transparency, and collaboration,” TSAS stated on October 16. The association also thanked the state government for responding to their call to remove Prof. Venkata Ramana.
Akash Yadav, President of TSAS, voiced the student body’s expectations for a more transparent and student-friendly management under the new VC. He emphasized the need for more vital collaboration between the administration and students to work towards the university’s betterment.
In addition to welcoming the new leadership, TSAS announced plans to push for an independent investigation into allegations against Sridhar Akula, the Chief Warden, who was accused of misbehaving with students. Yadav dismissed the claims as politically motivated but stressed the importance of a fair inquiry. "We won’t let this matter rest until there is justice," he stated, signalling the students’ commitment to addressing all grievances.