Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan recently addressed concerns regarding alleged political interference in university appointments, specifically at the University of Kerala. The Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of Universities in the state, stated that he would not allow any political interference in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other key university positions.
khan’s statement came amidst a backdrop of ongoing disputes and legal challenges surrounding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in several Kerala universities. The Kerala High Court had previously invalidated the appointments of Vice-chancellors to nine universities,citing violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. These appointments were made during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.
the Governor emphasized his commitment to upholding the autonomy of universities and ensuring that appointments are made based on merit and in accordance with established procedures. He specifically mentioned the importance of adhering to UGC guidelines, which mandate a search committee comprising eminent academics and experts to identify suitable candidates.
The controversy surrounding university appointments in Kerala has been a significant political issue, with the opposition Congress party alleging that the LDF government had politicized the appointment process. The Governor’s intervention is seen as an attempt to restore credibility to the university system and ensure that it functions independently.
The University of Kerala, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the state. Its Vice-Chancellor appointment has been particularly contentious, with allegations of favoritism and political influence. The Governor’s firm stance is expected to have a significant impact on the future of university governance in Kerala.
The UGC guidelines stipulate that search committees should include experts from relevant fields, representatives from the university, and nominees from the UGC. The Kerala High Court’s decision to invalidate the previous appointments was based on the finding that these guidelines were not followed.
Governor Khan has also been actively involved in reviewing the statutes and regulations of various universities in Kerala to ensure they are in compliance with UGC norms. He has formed committees to examine the existing rules and recommend necessary amendments.
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