The higher education department issued a fresh advertisement on Friday seeking applications for appointment of vice-chancellors of two state-aided universities — Rabindra Bharati University and the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

The advertisement had to be issued because the department’s July advertisement seeking applications for the post of VC in 36 state-aided universities failed to find suitable candidates for the two.

The advertisement published in newspapers on Friday said: “The concerned Search-cum-Selection-Committees have unanimously recommended three names in alphabetical order with respect to 34 out of 36 universities. However, with respect to West Bengal University of Health Sciences and Rabindra Bharati, the concerned Search-cum-Selection-Committees have recommended that a fresh process be undertaken after giving publicity in major cities of the country.”

“This advertisement is therefore issued for inviting applications from eminent academicians for being considered for appointment to the posts of vice-chancellors of the aforesaid universities.”

The advertisement says those who applied before need not apply again.

Metro reported on November 12 that the state government would publish a fresh advertisement because the Supreme Court-monitored search committee did not find suitable candidates for Rabindra Bharati University and the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

An official in the higher education department said they would cast their net in “major cities” to widen the search.

“For the health university, we had many candidates who pursued English or other disciplines in humanities. But we want candidates who have pursued medicine. So Friday’s advertisement clarifies that the West Bengal University of Health Sciences is a university that affiliates medical, dental, ayurvedic, unani, homoeopathic and paramedical colleges,” the official said.

Friday’s advertisement also states that Rabindra Bharati University imparts education in history, economics, political science, fine arts, visual arts and subjects “touching upon the area of activity” of Rabindranath Tagore.

In the July 26 advertisement, the subjects taught in the 36 universities were not mentioned. “This clarification will hopefully help draw applications from more suitable candidates,” said the official.

The retirement age of the health university VC is 65 years.

“A candidate in the earlier round of screening was found otherwise suitable for the post of VC of the health university, but he was close to 65. A VC upon reaching the retirement age can be given an extension for six months only. So the candidate’s application was not considered. In the latest advertisement, the retirement age has been mentioned,” the official said.

The retirement age of the RBU vice-chancellor is 70 years.