GANGTOK, July 12: Opposition parties of the state have criticised the appointment of Mr Mahindra P Lama as vice-chancellor of the newly set up Central University in Sikkim. It may be recalled that Mr Lama, arguably the youngest vice-chancellor in the country, joined the university on 2 July. Alleging that Mr Lama was associated with political parties before taking over as vice-chancellor of the Central University, Dr AD Subba, president of the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP), an Opposition party of the state, said: “Mr Lama was an economic advisor to the Sikkim chief minister. We have reservations against his appointment because he is close to the leaders of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front. His appointment would result in political interference in the functioning of the university.” Dr Subba said a vice-chancellor should not have any political background. “A large number of eligible persons were there in the state to hold the vice-chancellor’s chair. It was unfortunate that Mr Lama was chosen for the post,” Dr Subba, added. It’s not just the SHRP, leaders of other Opposition parties have also expressed their reservations over Mr Lama’s appointment. Commenting on the allegation, Mr Lama, said: “I don’t need to justify my appointment as I was appointed by the Union government with assent from the President of India.”
