Kerala Governor Defends Interim VC Appointments Amid Controversy
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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 (NationPress) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday defended his choice to appoint two new vice chancellors on an interim basis until permanent positions are filled, emphasizing that he had adhered to the rules.
The appointments faced criticism from State Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu, who claimed they were neither valid nor legal, indicating that actions against them were being contemplated.
Governor Khan informed reporters questioning him about the appointments, 'Please read the rules and I have fulfilled my duty in accordance with the Chancellor's regulations.'
He further stated, 'I will not respond to the Minister's comments as everyone is entitled to their perspective. My appointments were made based on the latest judicial directives.'
On Wednesday, Khan made new vice-chancellor appointments for Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU).
Ciza Thomas, the former vice-chancellor of KTU, was named as the VC of the digital university, while K. Sivaprasad, a Professor in the Department of Ship Technology at Cusat, was appointed as the vice chancellor of KTU until further notice.
The ongoing tensions between Governor Khan and the Kerala government have been frequent, although there had been a temporary truce.
Khan's recent appointments were made without consideration of the list provided by the Vijayan government, which has caused dissatisfaction within the government.
The necessity for the new VC appointments arose after the term of DUK Vice Chancellor Saji Gopinath, who also oversaw KTU, concluded last month.
Interestingly, Ciza, who has now retired, previously faced issues with the state government when she was appointed as VC of KTU despite the Vijayan government's disapproval.
Upon assuming her new role, she expressed, 'I am pleased that unlike my prior experience, where I faced significant pressure from protesting (pro-Left) staff organizations, this transition has been smooth.'
However, at KTU, there was a protest during Sivaprasad's takeover. He remarked, 'Protests are part of the process, but that does not prevent me from taking office. I have officially joined.'
It remains to be seen if Minister Bindhu will pursue legal action regarding the Governor's appointments.
