The Save University Campaign Committee has called on Kerala's governor to accelerate the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors in ten state universities. This appeal follows recent consensus between the state government and the governor on selecting VCs for two institutions.
Progress on Key University Appointments
Authorities have reached agreement on vice-chancellor selections at Kerala Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences. Both parties are now working together to appoint a new VC at Calicut University. Despite this progress, only three of Kerala's fourteen state universities currently have permanent vice-chancellors in place.
Committee Presses for Broader Action
In a formal memorandum submitted to the governor, the Save University Campaign Committee requested consistent diligence across all universities. The committee specifically asked for academically-brilliant candidates to receive appointments as VCs in the remaining institutions lacking permanent leadership.
Search Committee Advances Calicut University Process
The search committee appointed by the governor recently interviewed shortlisted candidates for the Calicut University VC position. These interviews took place on Sunday and Monday, moving the selection process forward.
Different Approaches to Committee Formation
Committees for appointing VCs at Kerala Technological University and Kerala University of Digital Sciences formed following a Supreme Court order. However, the governor directly appointed the search committee for Calicut University. A high court order later required inclusion of a representative from the Calicut University senate, bringing the committee into compliance with university regulations.
Committee Composition and Interview Process
The search committee featured distinguished members from across India. G U Kulkarni of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore served as chairperson and represented the governor in his capacity as chancellor. Ravindran D Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, represented the University Grants Commission. R Ram Kumar from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai represented the university senate.
Over two days, the committee interviewed thirty-seven applicants for the Calicut University VC position. Candidates included senior professors from Kerala University, Calicut University, Kannur University, and MG University. The applicant pool also featured candidates from outside Kerala. Kerala Lok Bhavan's liaison officer managed the committee's operational work throughout the process.
Next Steps in Appointment Process
According to University Grants Commission regulations, the governor will appoint the vice-chancellor from a panel of three to five names. The search committee will submit this panel following their evaluation of all candidates. This structured approach aims to ensure qualified leadership for Kerala's higher education institutions.
