The Intervention: Haryana Governor Steps In at MDU Rohtak

In a swift and decisive move that has captured attention across India's higher education landscape, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, serving as Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak, intervened in a brewing administrative crisis. On February 18, 2026, the Governor ordered the immediate reinstatement of Registrar Dr. Krishan Kant, who had been suspended by Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Rajbir Singh just 12 hours earlier. Additionally, the Chancellor stayed further actions by the VC and postponed a crucial Executive Council (EC) meeting, averting what could have been a deeper governance standoff.

This episode unfolded against the backdrop of tensions over faculty appointments, highlighting longstanding debates on university autonomy, government oversight, and leadership transitions in state universities. As the VC's second term nears its end on February 20, 2026, the intervention underscores the Chancellor's pivotal role in maintaining stability.

Understanding Maharshi Dayanand University: A Pillar of Haryana's Higher Education

Maharshi Dayanand University, established in 1976 under the Haryana Act No. XXV of 1975, is one of the state's premier public universities. Located on a sprawling 700-acre urban campus along Delhi Road in Rohtak, MDU has evolved from a unitary residential institution to a major affiliating university overseeing five districts: Faridabad, Jhajjar, Palwal, Rohtak, and Sonepat. It caters to approximately 170,000 students across its teaching departments and over 100 affiliated colleges, offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields like engineering, pharmacy, law, sciences, humanities, and management.

The university holds NAAC A+ accreditation with a CGPA of 3.44 (third cycle, 2019) and features prominently in national rankings, placing in the 101-150 band in NIRF 2025 for universities, 35th among state public universities, and 38th in pharmacy. MDU's robust infrastructure supports research, sports, and cultural activities, producing notable alumni including Olympic medalists like Geeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik, politicians, judges, and actors. Its budget estimates for 2025-26 reflect significant investments in expansion and faculty development.

Under the MDU Act, governance is structured with the Governor as Chancellor, the VC as chief executive, and the Registrar handling administration. The Executive Council serves as the principal executive body, approving key decisions like appointments.

The Root Cause: Controversy Over Unauthorized Faculty Appointments

The crisis traces back to January 14, 2026, when the Haryana Higher Education Department instructed MDU not to issue appointment letters or permit joining for four professors and seven associate professors without prior government consent. Despite this, the university allegedly held the 302nd EC meeting in defiance, approving these hires and issuing letters—a move seen as premature and irregular.

On February 17, the Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education reiterated the directive, ordering deferral of the 304th EC meeting scheduled for the next day, which was meant to ratify the 302nd minutes and finalize the appointments. Registrar Dr. Krishan Kant complied, emailing EC members that evening to postpone per government orders, escalating tensions with the VC.

Escalation: Vice-Chancellor's Suspension Orders

Late on February 17, VC Prof. Rajbir Singh suspended Dr. Krishan Kant and senior professor Dr. Nasib Singh Gill from the Department of Computer Science and Applications. The order accused the Registrar of a "gross violation" of Section 9-C(2) of the MDU Act, claiming non-compliance with VC directions had paralyzed university functioning and warranted disciplinary proceedings.

Dr. Kant dismissed the suspension as "illegitimate," arguing it ignored statutory obligations. Sources suggest the VC aimed to push through appointments before his term expired, amid allegations of haste. Dr. Gill's suspension remains unaddressed by the Chancellor so far.

Governor's Decisive Response: Reinstatement and Stay Orders

By 11:40 AM on February 18, the Governor's office acted, labeling the proposed EC meeting a "clear violation" of the February 17 government order. Through a letter from his secretary, Prof. Ghosh directed: immediate reinstatement of Dr. Kant "until further orders," postponement of the EC meet, and a blanket prohibition on VC actions without Chancellor's prior approval.

• Reversal of Registrar's suspension within hours.
• Halt to EC proceedings, preventing ratification of disputed appointments.
• Reinforcement of Chancellor's oversight per university statutes.

The VC reportedly attempted an online EC despite the directive, but it was aborted, restoring calm to the campus.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Faculty, Students, and Political Echoes

While public reactions are emerging given the recency, faculty sources express relief at the reinstatement, viewing it as a check on overreach. A senior EC member anonymously noted the VC's push to "finalize appointments before his term ends." Students, active in past MDU protests, monitor closely, prioritizing academic continuity.

Opposition voices, recalling prior complaints against the VC—like NAAC accreditation lapses and student unrest—welcome the intervention as upholding accountability. The university's PR remained silent, signaling internal deliberations.

Governance Framework in Haryana State Universities

Haryana universities operate under acts like MDU's 1975 legislation, where the Chancellor (Governor) holds appellate and supervisory powers, including over EC decisions. The VC exercises day-to-day control, but major actions require EC approval, subject to Chancellor's veto. This structure balances autonomy with state oversight, preventing procedural lapses in appointments—a critical process ensuring merit-based faculty recruitment amid India's expanding higher education sector.

Recent interventions reflect growing scrutiny, aligning with NEP 2020's emphasis on transparent governance and leadership accountability.

Past Controversies at MDU: A Pattern of Tensions?

MDU has faced prior issues under Prof. Rajbir Singh, including September 2025 student protests storming the VC residence (later deemed unlawful arrests), December 2025 allegations of VC intimidation against a professor (prompting inquiry), and October 2025 sanitation workers' harassment scandal involving staff suspensions. NAAC A+ lapse in 2024 drew opposition flak, blamed on administration delays.

These episodes highlight challenges in managing a large student body (170,000+) and faculty, amid political influences in appointments.

Implications for Higher Education Leadership and Transitions

The MDU episode raises questions on end-of-term actions by outgoing VCs, a common flashpoint in Indian universities. Unauthorized hires risk legal challenges, eroding meritocracy. For Haryana's 20+ state universities, it reinforces Chancellor's role in crisis resolution, potentially stabilizing operations but sparking autonomy debates.

Stakeholders advocate reforms: clearer appointment protocols, term extension norms, and mediation mechanisms. With India's higher ed enrollment surpassing 43 million, such stability is vital for quality.Aspiring academics can prepare strong CVs for such roles via our career advice.

Future Outlook: Reforms and Stability at MDU Rohtak

Post-intervention, MDU focuses on normalcy, with the new VC appointment looming. Expected outcomes include EC ratification post-review, inquiry into appointments, and governance audits. Broader impacts: enhanced compliance in Haryana universities, NEP-aligned transparency.

Explore higher ed opportunities in Rohtak or faculty positions amid evolving landscapes. For insights, visit the official MDU website or Tribune India coverage.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Higher Ed Stakeholders

• Faculty: Document compliance rigorously during transitions.
• Students: Engage via elected bodies for accountability.
• Administrators: Prioritize statutory adherence to avoid escalations.
• Prospective Leaders: Build consensus skills; check executive jobs.

This crisis, while disruptive, offers lessons in balanced governance, positioning MDU for stronger futures.