Why Are Kerala Governor and CM Vijayan Clashing Over VC Reappointments?
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Synopsis
In a developing controversy, Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar reappoints K. Sivaprasad and Ciza Thomas as interim Vice Chancellors, triggering swift backlash from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This article delves into the political tensions surrounding these appointments and the implications for Kerala's educational administration.
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions in Kerala's education governance.
- Supreme Court's role in ensuring compliance.
- Legal ramifications of the Governor's decisions.
- Impact on students and university administration.
- Need for collaboration between state authorities.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1 (NationPress) Shortly after Kerala Governor and ex-officio Chancellor Rajendra V. Arlekar re-appointed K. Sivaprasad and Ciza Thomas as interim Vice Chancellors of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Digital University, Kerala (DUK), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached out to him, urging a reconsideration of this decision.
The Vijayan administration expressed discontent as Arlekar issued the reappointments following a Supreme Court directive that emphasized the necessity for the Kerala Governor and the government to collaborate harmoniously on the selection of Vice-Chancellors for both the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, while prioritizing the interests of students over political considerations.
Sivaprasad and Thomas were initially appointed by former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan but resigned on July 14 after a division bench of the High Court upheld a single judge's ruling that invalidated their appointments.
However, Arlekar challenged the High Court ruling in the apex court, which subsequently favored him, leading to the reappointment of both Sivaprasad and Thomas. This move has left Vijayan frustrated, prompting him to send a letter to Arlekar demanding the cancellation of the appointments.
Vijayan argued that the appointments made on Friday contradicted the apex court's directives since the appointees were not included in the state's recommended list.
State Law Ministers P. Rajeeve and Higher Education Minister Dr. R. Bindhu have also condemned Arlekar for disregarding the apex court's orders during these appointments.
The state government is currently seeking legal counsel regarding Arlekar's appointments and is expected to approach the apex court.
As per separate notifications from Arlekar’s office on Friday, both Sivaprasad and Ciza will hold the responsibilities of Vice Chancellor at their respective universities for a duration of six months or until a permanent Vice Chancellor is appointed, whichever comes first.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight that the ongoing conflict between the Kerala Governor and the Chief Minister is emblematic of larger governance issues in India. The focus should remain on the educational welfare of students rather than political maneuvering. A collaborative approach is crucial for maintaining the integrity of educational institutions.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the disagreement between the Governor and the Chief Minister?
The disagreement arose after Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar reappointed interim Vice Chancellors K. Sivaprasad and Ciza Thomas, which Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan contested, claiming it contradicted recent Supreme Court directives.
What are the implications of these appointments?
These appointments could disrupt the governance of the universities and raise questions about adherence to legal directives, affecting the educational landscape in Kerala.
What actions is the state government considering?
The state government is currently seeking legal advice on the appointments and may approach the Supreme Court to contest the Governor's decisions.
