Finding VCs for technical and digital universities: Interviews to start from 8th

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Interviews for the selection panel of VCs of technical and digital universities will be held for four days from the 8th at the Muscot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The search committee is headed by retired Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, appointed by the Supreme Court. The members are four people, each nominated by the Governor and the government. All are from outside the state of Kerala.

The applications for the appointment of VC have been received by Higher Education Department. About 60 applicants have been given notice for the interview. The VC appointment interview for the Technical University will be held on the 8th and 9th and for the Digital University on the 10th and 11th. Applicants from outside the state are also being considered.

As per the Supreme Court order, a three-member panel from each university should be submitted to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister will determine the priority list for appointment. The Governor only has the power to appoint on the basis of priority. If the priority list is changed, the Governor should explain the reason for it. If the government has a complaint in this regard, it can approach the Supreme Court.

The Governor has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the order to appoint VCs in universities. The Governor's petition points out that the formation of the search committee is in direct violation of UGC regulations and the full bench judgments of the Supreme Court.