Thiruvananthapuram: In a decisive move, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has instructed the state’s Vice Chancellors to cover their personal legal expenses from their own pockets, rather than using university funds. This directive follows allegations that university funds were misused to challenge the Governor’s decisions in his capacity as the Chancellor of universities. The Governor has demanded that the VCs reimburse a total of Rs 1.13 crore spent on these legal proceedings.
The Governor’s decision comes in the wake of multiple court cases filed by Vice Chancellors against his rulings, which nullified their appointments due to eligibility controversies. The involved VCs include Dr. Gopinath Raveendran (former VC of Kannur University), Dr. Riji John (former VC of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies – KUFOS), Dr. M.K. Jayaraj (VC of Calicut University), Dr. M.S. Rajasree (former VC of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University), Dr. V. Anilkumar (former VC of Malayalam Varsity), Dr. K.N. Madhusoodanan (VC of Cochin University of Science and Technology – CUSAT), and Dr. Mubarak Pasha (VC of Sree Narayana Open University).
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Governor Khan’s directive is particularly timely, coinciding with the imminent retirement of Dr. M.K. Jayaraj, VC of Calicut University, on July 12. Dr. Gopinath Raveendran, who has returned to Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, has had his liability details communicated to his current institution.
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu revealed in the state assembly the legal expenses incurred, which included Rs 8 lakh spent on the court case regarding Priya Varghese’s appointment at Kannur University. Varghese is the wife of K.K. Ragesh, Private Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a prominent CPM leader.
The breakdown of the legal expenses is as follows:
- Kannur University: Rs 69,25,340
- KUFOS: Rs 35,71,311
- APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University: Rs 1,47,515
- Calicut University: Rs 4,25,000
- CUSAT: Rs 77,500
- Malayalam University: Rs 1,00,000
- Sree Narayana Open University: Rs 53,000
This publication has consistently reported on the confrontations between the VCs and the Governor, highlighting the political motivations and eligibility controversies surrounding these appointments. The Governor’s stance has always been principled, aiming to ensure that taxpayer money is used appropriately.
Governor Khan’s latest initiative underscores his commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability, ensuring that university funds are not misused for personal legal battles. This directive is seen as a significant step towards maintaining the integrity of the state’s educational institutions and protecting public resources.
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