RMLNLU gets new VC Gurdip Singh; Plans to make the University a Centre of Excellence

The former Head of the Faculty of Law at Delhi University, Prof. Gurdip Singh (pictured) has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow. Singh replaces Dr. Balraj Chauhan, who had completed his tenure in January 2013. Chauhan has returned back to Lucknow University as a Professor of Law. .Singh has more than thirty-five years of experience, joining Delhi University as a Lecturer in 1977. He was made a Reader in 1985 and promoted as a Professor in 1995. In 2010, he took charge as Head and Dean of Faculty of Law..When asked on his plans for RMLNLU, Singh said, “The first and foremost plan is to sign MoUs with leading foreign universities for exchange of faculties, exchange of students on the basis of reciprocity, joint research projects and then collaborations in holding International conferences”..Singh did expres some concerns with respect to the placements at the University. He said, “We need to intensify the placement network for the benefit of the students and not only placements with reputed law firms in India but also with foreign law firms”. “Internships also need to be taken care of”, added Singh..Sharing his plans, Prof. Singh said, “We plan to organise not only National moot courts but also International moot court where teams from almost all countries should come and participate”..Talking about his plan for the faculty at RMLNLU, Singh said, “There will be weekly seminars where teachers will present papers by way of rotation which will further strengthen teaching skills. We will also have regular training workshops for teachers in various areas”..“My mission is to achieve excellence in teaching as well as research and to bring the University to a global level and make it a leading univeristy for imparting legal teaching and research”, said Singh..On being asked about his experience working with five-year law school, Singh told Bar & Bench that he has been associated with 5-year law schools for a long time. He has been member of General Council at NLIU Bhopal. He is an Executive Member at RGNUL, Patiala. He has been associated with NLU Delhi. “I am well aware of the functioning of five year law schools but I have never headed five year law school so far”, said Singh..Talking about his decision to leave DU and take up the post of VC in a National Law School, Singh said, “I really wanted to lead a national law school from the front. This was the best time and I got the opportunity and I immediately took it”..Singh has taken courses on International Law and Environmental law. He did his B.Sc LL.B. LL.M. and Ph.D. from Delhi University.