Dr Ciza Thomas takes charge as VC; suspended Registrar returns without entering office

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr. K.S. Anilkumar, Registrar of Kerala University, who was suspended over the Bharatamba painting controversy, visited the university yesterday but left without entering his office. He arrived around 10 a.m. on Thursday and was welcomed by members of the Left-affiliated Syndicate and teachers’ organisations, who presented him with a copy of the Constitution. He visited the Syndicate room and the guest house, and later left for Ernakulam to file a petition challenging his suspension.

Meanwhile, following the Governor’s directive, Dr. Ciza Thomas, Vice Chancellor of the Digital University, assumed charge as Acting Vice Chancellor of Kerala University. SFI had earlier announced they would block her if she attempted to enter the university. Dr. Ciza Thomas had sought police protection, and she arrived at the campus around noon under tight security. She entered through a pathway near the Syndicate Hall and officially took charge.

Dr.Ciza Thomas instructed the cancellation of Dr. Anilkumar’s user ID and password from the university's digital file system. She also directed senior joint registrar P. Harikumar, who has been assigned the registrar’s responsibilities, to immediately assume duties. He is expected to take charge on Friday. The acting VC also made administrative decisions, including issuing duplicate certificates and processing students' applications. Though several organisations staged protests in front of the university, there were no incidents of violence.

First woman VC at Kerala University
This is the first time in Kerala University's history that a woman has been appointed as Vice Chancellor—even if in an interim capacity. While universities such as MG, Calicut, CUSAT, and the Technological University have had women VCs before, this is a first for Kerala University, which was established in 1937. Dr. Ciza Thomas was given temporary charge as the current VC Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal has gone to Russia. Although files can be approved online from abroad, the Governor had insisted that the VC should be physically present at the university.