Central University in Sikkim

Delhi: Dr. Mahendra P Lama has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University by Visitor of university, Dr. Abdul KALAM, president of India, on the recommendation of expert panel from Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Dr. Mahendra P Lama , Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, a resident of Darjeeling, is the youngest Vice Chancellor of the country. He is also the economic advisor of Chief Minister of Sikkim.

Dr. P Lama, as a Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University, shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and shall exercise general supervision and control over the affairs of the University and give effect to the decisions of all the authorities of the University.

Sikkim University is established under the Sikkim University Act, 2006, with the objects to disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of learning as it may deem fit; to make provisions for integrated courses in humanities, natural and physical sciences, social sciences, forestry and other allied disciplines in the educational programmes of the university; to take appropriate measures for promoting innovations in teaching-learning process, inter-disciplinary studies and research; to educate and train manpower for the development of the state of Sikkim; and to pay social attention to the improvement of the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people of the state, their intellectual, academic and cultural development.   

The Governor of the State of Sikkim shall be the Chief Rector of the University.

So far, there was no University in Sikkim and the colleges of the State are affiliated to the North Bengal University of West Bengal. These are mostly degree colleges and are following the courses and syllabus designed by the North Bengal University, which do not meet the specific requirements of the State of Sikkim. Due to lack of post-graduate courses in Sikkim, majority of the students do not get opportunity to pursue higher studies. Therefore, with the constant endeavors of Chief Minister of Sikkim, Dr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, The Sikkim University Bill 2006, has been able to be Act.

The financial requirement of the Sikkim University is estimated at Rs. 55.00 crore (non-recurring) and Rs. 32.60 crore (recurring) for the years 2006-07 to 2008-09. The expenditure would be met from the Consolidated Fund of India through the budgetary provision under the Department of Secondary and Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.