Govt initiates efforts to remove KTU VC: Governor to file appeal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has initiated efforts to remove Prof Ciza Thomas from the post of VC in charge of Kerala Technological University. This is in the backdrop of a High Court order that the government has the right to recommend a panel for the appointment of interim VC. The government will soon prepare a panel of those qualified as per UGC rules and hand it over to the Governor.

Meanwhile, the Governor is planning to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court order. As per UGC norms, the Chancellor has the power to appoint VC. Sources close to Raj Bhavan said that the government has no role in the appointment of VC. The Raj Bhavan will file an appeal as soon as it gets a copy of the verdict. The High Court has not cancelled the appointment of Ciza Thomas. There are many things in the Technological University Act which are contrary to the UGC Act. Dr Rajashree, who was the KTU VC, was expelled by the Supreme Court because even the formation of the search committee was against the UGC rules.