Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SNGOU) Vice Chancellor Mubarak Pasha has submitted his resignation to the Raj Bhavan amidst reports that the Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was preparing to remove him from his position. The Raj Bhavan had summoned the VCs of SNGOU, Calicut University, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), and Digital University for a hearing on February 24 following a ‘Show Cause’ notice issued after a Supreme Court verdict. Upon receiving the notice, Mubarak Pasha opted to resign. The Governor has yet to make a decision on the matter. A representative from the University Grants Commission (UGC) has indicated that the VCs of Calicut, SSUS, and Digital Universities may not be eligible to continue in their roles. The Governor’s decision regarding their tenure remains pivotal.
During the hearing, Digital University VC Saji Gopinath attended in person, while Calicut University VC Dr MK Jayaraj was represented by his counsel. SSUS VC M.V. Narayanan’s counsel participated virtually. Previously, the VC had approached the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court to challenge the court order directing the Governor to conduct the hearing again. However, the Division Bench refused to admit the petition, reportedly stating that he would be liable to pay a penalty.
As a result, the VC sent a letter to the Governor’s Secretary explaining that it was not feasible for him and his Secretary to attend the hearing in person. Subsequently, Raj Bhavan requested him to participate in the hearing virtually. Consequently, his counsel complied with the request.
During the hearing, the UGC Joint Secretary and counsel participated, highlighting concerns over the eligibility of three Vice-Chancellors (VCs) based on UGC Regulations. It was noted that the State Chief Secretary was a member of the Search Committee for selecting the Calicut Varsity VC, while SSUS lacked the required three members in its committee. Additionally, the VCs of SNGOU and Digital Universities were appointed directly by the government without UGC involvement, deemed illegal under the Supreme Court verdict and UGC regulations. The Governor is expected to make the final decision. Notably, VCs of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, and Kannur University have already vacated their positions due to the Supreme Court ruling. Furthermore, notices were issued to the VCs of Kerala University, Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) as they have completed their tenure.
Currently, nine universities have interim Vice-Chancellors (VCs), with four VCs soon to depart. Additionally, four more interim VCs will need to be appointed, bringing the total number of universities with interim VCs to 13. The formation of Search Committees is hindered by the government’s failure to nominate Senate members, further complicating the situation and negatively impacting the functioning of various states’ universities.
The higher education sector in Kerala has long been facing challenges, exacerbated since the Left Democratic Front (LDF) assumed power in 2016. Despite this, key figures such as the Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister appear indifferent to improving the situation. Consequently, many students opt to pursue higher education in other states or abroad, seeking better opportunities. However, the proactive approach of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has instilled hope among students and parents alike. His principled stance to address the issues plaguing the academic landscape has provided a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak scenario.
The Governor declined to approve the list of three Right to Information Commissioners submitted by the state government due to the absence of the Vigilance Report. Allegations of financial irregularities against individuals on the list prompted the Governor’s action. Seeking clarification, the Governor returned the list to the government, indicating a commitment to combat corruption in the state administration. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and State Minister P. Rajeev had endorsed the list, underscoring the significance of the Governor’s stance against corruption.
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