“Research period cannot be considered as teaching experience”: UGC on nepotism case involving CPM leader’s wife

University Grants Commission (UGC) trained its gun on the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of K.K. Rakesh, CPM leader and secretary of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, as Associate Professor in Kannur University. UGC submitted before the High Court of Kerala that Priya’s research period cannot be considered as teaching experience. UGC’s stand is a slap in the face of the Varsity Vice Chancellor Dr. Gopinath Raveendran. The VC has been taking a consistent stand that Priya’s appointment met the required parameters. Single Bench of the High Court asked UGC to furnish its official stand in writing.

Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan who also happens to be the Chancellor of the universities in the state, had frozen Priya’s appointment a fortnight ago; He had cited nepotism behind the appointment. Later, High Court stayed the appointment on August 22, 2022.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Governor has been awaiting High Court’s decision before going ahead with actions against the VC of the university for his intrinsic role he’s played in this matter.