In a significant development aimed at dispelling tensions, Kerala's Higher Education Minister, Dr. R Bindu, stated on Tuesday that the state government has no intention of initiating a confrontation with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs) to state universities. This statement comes against the backdrop of a recent truce between Governor Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan concerning VC selections for key institutions.
Clarifications on Agreements and Deputations
Minister Bindu's reaction is crucial in understanding the current political-academic landscape in Kerala. She specifically addressed the issue of the cancelled deputation of Kerala University's former registrar, K S Anil Kumar, asserting that this decision was not part of any agreement between the governor and the state government. The minister clarified that Kumar was relieved from his post based on his own request, separating this administrative action from the broader discussions on VC appointments.
It is noteworthy that the specific basis on which Chief Minister Vijayan and Governor Arlekar agreed upon the candidates for the Kerala Technological University (KTU) and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences (DUK) vice-chancellorships remains undisclosed by both parties.
Peace Prevails at KTU Governance Meeting
In a positive turn of events, the Kerala Technological University's governance council meeting held on Tuesday concluded peacefully, with Governor Arlekar in attendance. This marked a stark contrast to previous meetings, which were often disrupted by prolonged commotion. The newly-appointed KTU VC, Ciza Thomas, along with syndicate member IB Satheesh, welcomed the governor to the session.
The meeting successfully approved the university's delayed budget. The approved budget amounts to Rs 373.52 crore. Furthermore, a decision was made to proceed with the distribution of degree certificates. Governor Arlekar, who serves as the chancellor of the university, presided over this harmonious meeting, which had previously faced dissolution due to a lack of quorum.
Calicut University VC Search Committee Reconstituted
In a related development, Governor Arlekar has reconstituted the search committee responsible for selecting candidates for the vacant Calicut University (CU) vice-chancellor's post. The revised committee now includes CU's new representative. The members of this high-powered committee are:
- Prof Ram Kumar from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
- Prof G U Kulkarni from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Research in Bangalore.
- Prof Ravindra D Kulkarni, the Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University.
Governor Arlekar has set December 5 as the final date for receiving applications for the Calicut University VC position. According to sources, approximately 40 applications have already been received by Lok Bhavan for this prestigious role.
The recent statements and actions indicate a cautious move towards administrative cooperation between the Raj Bhavan and the state government on higher education matters, following a period of visible friction over the authority to appoint vice-chancellors in Kerala's universities.
