Jaipur: Amid protests in the Rajasthan University by a section of students and teachers against the appointment of an academician from Maharashtra, where a trend to discourage outsiders has begun, Prof. A. D. Sawant, former Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Mumbai, has taken over as acting Vice Chancellor of the university.

Prof. Furqan Qamar, who resigned following his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, held the post of Rajasthan University's Vice-Chancellor so far. It was barely four months ago that he had joined the university.

Until the search committee finds a permanent Vice Chancellor to replace Prof. Sawant, he will continue to function on the post designated to him.

After assuming the charge, Prof. Sawant told the reporters about his intentions to get more funds from the Centre and affiliate more colleges with the university to enable them to get the benefit of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) programmes.

The newly appointed VC envisaged a good scope for the state for the improvement of the standard of higher education as he emphasized to bring in positive changes in the existing system of education.

Speaking about the post of Pro VC in the university, the VC said, "The post of the of the Pro VC is lying vacant for many years and should be filled up as soon as possible in order to ensure the affairs of the university to run smoothly in the VC's absence."