“Sad Commentary On How Institutional Decay Is Taking Place”: Jairam Ramesh On Gokhale Institute Sacking Ajit Ranade

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticised the sacking of Ajit Ranade as Vice Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), calling it a “sad commentary on how institutional decay is taking place.” Ramesh expressed bewilderment at Ranade’s dismissal in September 2024, citing the reason as his lack of 10 years of teaching experience, a rule under the University Grants Commission (UGC).

“In February 2022, Ajit Ranade was appointed as Vice Chancellor of the prestigious Pune-based Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. This selection was widely acclaimed,” said Ramesh. He questioned how this requirement was only now being raised. “Surely, this information was available to the appointing authorities two years back,” he added.

Ranade, a prominent economist, holds degrees in engineering from IIT Mumbai, an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, and a PhD in economics from Brown University. Ramesh praised Ranade’s extensive credentials, stating, “These academic credentials cannot be bettered.” He emphasised that Ranade has published well-cited research papers and has had long corporate experience.

Ramesh also pointed to Ranade’s professional integrity, highlighting that he had been associated with academic institutions before his appointment in 2022. “All through, he has always maintained his professional independence and integrity,” Ramesh noted.

Reflecting on the decision, Ramesh suggested that “there is more to this than meets the eye.” He said the sacking symbolises a larger issue in India’s academic environment, which is increasingly becoming illiberal. “It is a sad commentary on how institutional decay is taking place in an increasingly illiberal atmosphere,” he said.

Ajit Ranade, a thought leader in economic policy, served as Vice Chancellor of GIPE since 2022. Prior to that, he held esteemed roles, including Chief Economist at the Aditya Birla Group, and has served on several government committees. His academic contributions cover topics such as inflation, fiscal policy, and corporate governance.

GIPE, founded in 1930, remains one of India’s premier institutions for economics and public policy research.