NAAC director Prof Dhirendra Pal Singh is new UGC chairman

Dhirendra Pal Singh, who was BHU VC from 2008 to 2011, set up the Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development during his tenure

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) director and former Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice chancellor Prof Dhirendra Pal Singh has been appointed the new chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Dhirendra Pal Singh is also known for riding a bicycle to his office on the last Saturday of each month to spread the green message. (NAAC Website)

Singh, who was BHU VC from 2008 to 2011, set up the Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development during his tenure. He also created the UNESCO Chair for Peace and Intercultural Understanding. He rode a bicycle to his office on the last Saturday of each month to spread the green message.

He also served as vice chancellor of the Devi Ahilya University, Indore, from 2012 to 2015 and as vice chancellor of Dr Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar.

Singh has been appointed the UGC chairman for a period of five years, according to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

The post of UGC chief had been lying vacant since April 2017 after the retirement of Professor Ved Prakash.

At present, Prof. Virander Singh Chauhan, UGC member, is officiating as the chairperson of the regulatory body for higher education institutions.

With inputs from PTI