LUCKNOW, July 27 -- Professor Manuka Khanna, pro vice-chancellor of Lucknow University, has taken charge as the acting vice-chancellor of the university. She succeeds Prof Alok Kumar Rai, who was appointed director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta earlier this month.

Following Prof Rai's appointment, the university has already invited applications for the post of regular vice-chancellor.

According to a letter issued by Raj Bhavan dated July 27: "In consequence of Prof Alok Kumar Rai being selected as director of IIM-Calcutta, a letter regarding his relieving from the post of vice-chancellor has been submitted, requesting to relieve him from the afternoon of July 27."

"The chancellor of Lucknow University, governor ...