Reports indicate that a major controversy has surfaced in Kerala’s higher education sector, where Dr Ciza Thomas, the Vice Chancellor-in-charge of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, is all set to take disciplinary action against Dr Lissie Mathew, who holds the position of Controller of Examinations and Senior Publications Officer, in connection with two blatant lapses.
The first incident pertains to the release of a prestigious book with dummy pages by Governor Rajendran Vishwanath Arlekkar. The book was the biography of Chattambi Swamiji, the great Hindu monk and social reformer of the 20th century.
The series titled “Theerdhapadapuranam”, the classical poetic composition authored by Prof. A.V. Sankaran spans 11 volumes in a single gift box, priced at Rs 6,600, and reportedly took more than 18 years to complete.
Due to the timely intervention of the Vice Chancellor, the Governor did not release the dummy book, potentially avoiding serious embarrassment for the head of the State. “Organiser” had carried the story on April 24.
The second issue relates to alleged admission irregularities involving an SFI leader. The individual was granted postgraduate admission despite failing the degree examinations. There was also an attempt to declare that he had passed BFA, thereby making him eligible for admission to MFA.
Dr Lissie Mathew reportedly enjoyed the full support of the CPM-dominated Syndicate in this matter. SFI leader A. Kalesh had failed the ‘four-year’ BFA and had discontinued his studies in 2005. Despite this, he was admitted to MFA, and the Syndicate later decided to declare that he had passed BFA in light of passing MFA.
The Governor had received complaints alleging that the Vice Chancellor was taking illegal steps under heavy pressure from Syndicate members belonging to the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front.
Acting in his capacity as Chancellor, the Governor had earlier expelled Vice Chancellor Dr K.K. Geetakumari in connection with the issue. “Organiser” had reported this development on March 6.
Both incidents have brought renewed focus on the functioning of university administrations in Kerala, highlighting concerns over high-handedness in the higher education sector and raising questions about political influence and institutional accountability.
Straightforward and impartial actions by the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors remain the only silver lining in an otherwise challenging atmosphere prevailing in the education sector.
