Special rule under UGC not amended, govt beating around bush despite preparing list of principals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite preparing the list of college principals by conducting interviews as per the UGC directives, the government is beating around the bush by not paving the way for appointments. The post of Principal of 60 govt arts and science colleges has been vacant for more than four years. The reason for the crisis is that the special rule under the UGC provision for the appointment has not been amended.

Previously, the appointment of a principal was based on seniority. But now, the UGC has proposed to consider this as a special post with a tenure of five years, and make appointments after checking the qualifications and interview. Accordingly, 15 years of service, a research degree and 10 publications in UGC accredited journals were made the eligibility. The appointment of a principal is possible only if this is approved and a special rule is made. It has been four years since this UGC proposal, but it is alleged that the government is not interested in it.

Sixty of the 66 government colleges have no principals, and on March 9, 73 teachers were interviewed for principal appointments. Of these, only 40 are eligible under the UGC rules. Although the final list was made, PSC could not make appointments from it. Under the current rules of PSC, seniority is the norm. Universities have amended the statute to make UGC qualifications the norm for appointments. Similarly the UGC norms should be approved and amended in the special rule of the Department of College Education. Otherwise, 60 colleges will not have a principal in the next academic year.

Pressure by interested parties

It is alleged that the special rule was delayed due to pressure from teachers' unions. The principal post is currently for the teachers favoured by them. This will not be implemented if the appointment is made as per UGC rules. The government had also sought appointments on the basis of seniority. The UGC regulation was approved after it was blocked by the Administrative Tribunal.

Benefit

If principals are appointed in all the 60 colleges, the same number of assistant professors can be newly appointed through PSC. There is an existing ranklist.

Preference for professor job

1. The salary scale is similar to that of principal and professor. In case of the principal post, it will only be effective from the date of issuance. The professor post have retroactive effect from July 2018. Salary arrears of more than Rs 5 lakh will also be received.

2. The Feeder Category for the principal post is associate professor. With the advent of professorships in colleges, this will be the feeder category. Instead of appointing principals from among them after the professor has been promoted, two appointment committees are now functioning in parallel.