*Udaipur:* Prof. Manju Mandot has assumed charge as the acting Vice-Chancellor of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, succeeding Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot, whose tenure of more than 14 years has recently ended amid a leadership transition at the university. Mandot, who has been associated with the Vidyapeeth for nearly three decades, has held several academic and administrative positions, including Director of the Department of Computer Science and IT, Principal in the MSW programme and Director of the Directorate of Public Education and Extension. She has also been associated with agricultural initiatives and holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. Speaking after assuming charge, Mandot said her long association with the institution had given her an understanding of its various departments and administrative functioning. She expressed confidence that she would be able to contribute effectively to strengthening the university and taking it forward. On the prolonged tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sarangdevot, Mandot said 14 years was a long period for anyone to remain in the position. Referring to UGC provisions, she said a Vice-Chancellor generally serves a five-year term, with limited provisions for continuation, and that a change in leadership was therefore expected. Prof. Sarangdevot has approached the Rajasthan High Court challenging the action concerning his tenure. Mandot said the matter was now before the court and would be decided according to law. Addressing the recent employee agitation, Mandot said concerns had primarily related to service benefits, promotions and perceived disparities between long-serving employees and recently appointed staff. She said the issues would be reviewed and efforts would be made to ensure fairness to employees. She said the recent developments had not substantially affected academic activities at the university. According to Mandot, around 8,000 to 10,000 students are currently studying at the institution, admissions are underway and classes have commenced in various departments. Mandot said one of her key priorities would be to integrate *Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies across the university*. With her academic background in AI, she said technology could be effectively used not only in computer science but also in disciplines such as medicine, management, homeopathy and other fields. “AI has become an important part of education and can significantly improve academic and administrative processes,” she said, adding that she wanted the Vidyapeeth to emerge as a leading university in Rajasthan through technology-driven education. On financial concerns surrounding the university, Mandot said she had only recently assumed charge and had not yet examined the financial records in detail. She said the financial system had previously been centralised and that she was currently reviewing the situation with officials. She expects to have a clearer picture of the university’s financial position after a detailed assessment. Meanwhile, the university has initiated the process for appointing a regular Vice-Chancellor. The vacancy has been published on the university website and will also be advertised in a newspaper. Applications will be screened by a committee before the appointment is finalised. Mandot said she would continue to discharge her responsibilities as acting Vice-Chancellor until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed and would focus on maintaining academic continuity, addressing employee concerns and strengthening the university’s future direction.