Puducherry, March 7 (PTI) The Union Education Ministry appointed Phanithi Prakash Babu, a senior professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at the University of Hyderabad, as the new Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University.

Subhash Chand Sharu, Director of Central University-I in the Department of Higher Education, informed the Registrar of Pondicherry University through a communication dated March 6 that the President of India, in her capacity as the Visitor of Pondicherry University, has appointed Phanithi Prakash Babu as Vice-Chancellor under the powers conferred by the Pondicherry University Act, 1985.

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Babu will serve as Vice-Chancellor for five years from the date he assumes office or until he turns 70, whichever comes first.

The Vice-Chancellor's post had been vacant since November 2023 following the completion of Gurmeet Singh's tenure.

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Senior faculty member Tharanikkarasu has been serving as in charge since then.

Pondicherry University was established in 1985 under a Central Act.

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