Dr Shivaraj, a retired professor of chemistry at Osmania University, Hyderabad, has been appointed as the regular vice-chancellor (VC) of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) in Arunachal Pradesh. The appointment was notified by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education on 2 July, 2026. Dr Shivaraj obtained his master’s degree in 1983 and PhD in 1989 from Osmania University, and has 34 years of teaching experience, including 15 years as a professor.
He was conferred the Best Teacher Award by the Telangana state government in 2018. Dr Shivaraj has been appointed for a term of five years from the date he assumes office, or until he attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier. The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has welcomed the appointment, stating that it addresses a longstanding concern for the student community of Arunachal Pradesh.
AAPSU president Meje Taku thanked the Ministry of Education and the Government of India for responding to their demand and appointing a regular vice-chancellor. Taku expressed hope that Dr Shivaraj will build on this moment and take RGU to even greater heights in research, infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and student welfare. The AAPSU also reiterated its demand for the immediate appointment of a regular VC at the Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, which has been functioning without a regular VC since February 2026.
Taku stated that the post has been vacant for too long and demanded that a regular vice-chancellor be appointed at APU before the commencement of the next academic session.
