VA Arun Kumar removed as IHRD Director, MV Rajesh appointed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan's son, VA Arunkumar, was removed from the post of Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) Director. Professor MV Rajesh has been appointed in his place. Rajesh is the principal of Poonjar Engineering College under IHRD.

Arunkumar was given the charge of Director-in-Charge three years ago. Several complaints had earlier reached the High Court questioning Arunkumar's appointment. The High Court had suo motu registered a case and ordered an investigation into these complaints. The court directed an inspection into Arunkumar's qualifications and also checked the prospect of whether he used political influence for career success.

The court observed that the post of IHRD Director is equivalent to that of a university Vice Chancellor. The qualification for the post of Director, as per the 2018 UGC norms, is seven years of teaching experience. The court also found it strange that Arun Kumar, who was in a clerical post, was given this post.