The long-awaited appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for the University of Calicut is now in its decisive final phase. The crucial candidate interviews are scheduled to take place on January 18 and 19 at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. This marks a significant step forward after a process marred by delays and controversy.
Selection Committee to Interview Over 40 Applicants
A high-powered selection committee has been constituted to conduct the final interactions with the aspirants. The committee comprises three distinguished members: Prof. G.U. Kulkarni, a professor from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bengaluru; Prof. Ravindra D. Kulkarni, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai; and R. Ramakumar, a member of the Kerala State Planning Board. The governor's office has received an impressive over 40 applications for the prestigious VC post. Following the two-day interview process, this committee will shortlist and submit a panel of five names to the Governor of Kerala for the final appointment.
A Rocky Road: Delays and Legal Intervention
The appointment process had previously faced severe criticism and came to a standstill due to significant procedural hurdles. The primary issue was the exclusion of a representative from the university's senate from the selection committee. The situation was further complicated when two members nominated by the CPI(M) to the committee resigned. This led to a complete deadlock.
The impasse was only broken after the Kerala High Court intervened. Following the court's direction, the university senate convened a meeting on December 18 and duly elected R. Ramakumar as its official representative on the selection panel. This resolution allowed the stalled process to resume and proceed without further legal or administrative obstacles.
The Final Stretch and Expected Timeline
With the committee now fully formed and the interview dates set, the university is on track to fill the leadership vacuum. After the interviews in Thiruvananthapuram, the selection committee's recommended panel will be sent to the governor. Authorities expect the new Vice-Chancellor to be appointed by the last week of January. This conclusion will bring much-needed stability and direction to Calicut University, one of Kerala's premier institutions of higher learning.
The entire episode underscores the often-complex interplay between university autonomy, political nominations, and legal oversight in the appointment of key academic leaders in India's public university system.
