DU's Prof. Prakash Singh Takes Over as VC of HNB Garhwal University for 5-Year Term

New Delhi/Srinagar, 19 June 2025: The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has appointed Prof. Prakash Singh, a distinguished academic from Delhi University, as the new Vice Chancellor of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University (HNBGU). The appointment is for a tenure of five years, and the official order was issued earlier this week. Until now, the position was being held in an acting capacity by Prof. Manmohan Singh Rauthan.

Prof. Singh brings over 30 years of experience in the field of higher education, political science, and public administration. Most recently, he was serving as the Director of Delhi University South Campus, a position he held since 17 December 2021. With a strong academic background rooted in Delhi University, he completed his MA (1987), M.Phil. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) in Political Science from the same institution.

A Career Marked by Leadership and Reform

Currently a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Delhi University since 2015, Prof. Singh has earned recognition for his administrative acumen and strategic thinking. He has been instrumental in various curriculum reforms, governance models, and promotion of Indian knowledge traditions through multiple committees and university initiatives.

His contributions extend beyond DU. He has served as the Dr. Ambedkar Chair in Social Justice at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and held advisory roles across several central universities. He has also worked closely with bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), and state education departments, shaping national policies in higher education.

Academic & Policy Contributions

Prof. Singh has played a critical role in several key academic projects:

• Development of UGC teaching manuals

• Revamping of the NET exam syllabus

• Designing curricula for political science and public administration

His work bridges both academic scholarship and applied governance, making him a rare blend of scholar and strategist.

A New Chapter for HNB Garhwal University

The appointment of Prof. Prakash Singh is seen as a transformational step for HNBGU, an institution of national importance nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Known for its multidisciplinary research and cultural heritage, the university is expected to benefit immensely from Prof. Singh's expertise in institutional development, policy framing, and educational innovation.

Observers in the academic community are hopeful that his leadership will steer HNBGU towards greater academic rigor, improved administrative systems, and a stronger national and international footprint.