Professor Alpana Kateja Appointed as Rajasthan University’s New Vice-Chancellor (V-C)

JAIPUR : Professor Alpana Kateja has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University, Jaipur. The decision comes after Governor Kalraj Mishra issued an order for the appointment of Vice Chancellors at Rajasthan University in Jaipur and Pandit Deendayal Shekhawati University, Sikar.

Governor Kalraj Mishra made these appointments based on the recommendations of the Vice-Chancellor Screening Committee for both universities. Professor Alpana Kateja, currently a professor in the Department of Economics at Rajasthan University, will now lead as the Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University.

Prof. Alpana Kateja officially assumed the office of Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University on Tuesday. She was greeted with flower garlands by fellow professors, students, and officer employees of the institution. Among those present during the inauguration were Professor Rashmi Jain, Prof. Anjali Cama, Sangeeta Bhargava, Prof. Sarina Kalia, Dr. Chandrani Sen, Professor Manju, Dr. Amita Rajgoyal, and Prof. Shobha Dubey.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof. Alpana Kateja expressed concerns about the recent decline in academic quality and stated that her top priority is to elevate the academic atmosphere.

Kateja highlighted the importance of successfully implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and the need to standardize the newly introduced semester schemes in undergraduate programs. She voiced concerns over delays and the repercussions of not conducting exams on time. In her vision for the university’s future, Kateja proposed revisions to the current syllabus to align with the NEP’s requirements.

Speaking on the student’s perspective, Kateja said, “Students join the university primarily for education. However, the looming pressure of competitive exams and job prospects often diverts their attention towards coaching institutes. Our aim is to equip them with the resources and environment they need to succeed in these exams right here at the university.” She said that the university boasts superior facilities, a skilled teaching staff, and a robust infrastructure compared to coaching institutions.

Addressing the long-standing issue of female students’ safety, Kateja assured that measures have been and will continue to be taken. She pointed to the CCTV cameras installed across the campus and stressed the importance of regular monitoring and functionality checks. She urged female students to be vigilant, be aware of safety precautions, and feel confident in reporting any concerns, assuring them that the university is committed to resolving any issues promptly.

Prof. Anil Kumar Rai, who serves as the Dean of the Department of Humanities and Sociology at Mahatma Gandhi International University, Wardha, has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Pandit Deendayal Shekhawati University, Sikar.

These appointments are for a tenure of three years from the date of assuming office or until the appointees reach the age of 70, whichever comes earlier.

Notably, both Rajasthan University and Shekhawati University had been operating with individuals holding additional charges as Vice Chancellors. With these new appointments, both universities have acquired full-time Vice Chancellors.

Professor Alpana Kateja brings with her a wealth of experience, having published numerous research papers and authored three books on Rajasthan. Her expertise spans topics such as Maternal Health in Rajasthan, Infant Mortality in Rajasthan, and Regional Equality in Economic Development.

These appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the universities, fostering academic growth and innovation.