Kerala University recruitment under fire: Over 100 contract posts, reservation norms allegedly bypassed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Moves are underway to undermine reservation norms in contract appointments to more than 100 teaching vacancies at Kerala University. Interviews are currently being conducted for one-year contract appointments in violation of government and university orders, as well as UGC regulations, which stipulate that vacancies across all departments must be clubbed together and appointments made in accordance with reservation norms. The appointment list is expected to be published shortly.

The provision was introduced to prevent situations in which reservation could not be implemented in departments with only a single vacancy. It was introduced on the basis of an amendment to the law passed by Parliament in July 2017. However, the Syndicate, which has a UDF majority, is attempting to calculate vacancies separately for each department and make appointments accordingly. This would result in the denial of reservation benefits rightfully due to candidates from backward communities and Scheduled communities.

Government order based on Kerala Kaumudi reports

On July 20, 2014, the Oommen Chandy government issued an order directing that the total number of teaching vacancies in each university be treated as a single unit for recruitment. The order was based on Kerala Kaumudi reports highlighting the widespread circumvention of reservation for backward and Scheduled communities through the practice of treating vacancies in individual departments as separate units. Following this order, Kerala University issued an order on October 25, 2017 (No. AD.H/30651/2017), in connection with the amendment to the 1974 University Act.

Reservation applies even to appointments lasting 45 days: UGC

Those attempting to circumvent the rules argue that reservation principles do not apply to contract appointments. However, this argument overlooks the relevant UGC directive. A circular sent by UGC Secretary Prof. Manoj Joshi to all vice-chancellors across the country on February 16, 2026 (D.O. No. F.3-9/2024 (SCT/INFORMATION) E-149946), explicitly states that reservation norms apply to all appointments lasting 45 days or more.