Governor softening stance towards govt, may assign temporary charge of KTU VC to Dr Saji Gopinath

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor, who has changed his stance that the government has no role in the appointment of the vice-chancellor, may assign the temporary charge of the Technological University VC to Digital University VC Dr Saji Gopinath in response to the government's demand.

The governor has informed that he has no objection to giving the charge to Saji Gopinath or any other person suggested by the government when Prof Ciza Thomas, who is the vice chancellor in-charge, retires on March 31st. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu will take a decision on the letter of the governor's secretary informing about this. The governor had earlier rejected the three-member panel submitted by the government for the appointment of a new vice chancellor after removing Dr Ciza Thomas from the post of vice chancellor in-charge of KTU. The members recommended by the government are technical education director Dr TP Byjubai, technological university former dean Vrinda V Nair and Kottayam Rajiv Gandhi Institute Principal and KTU syndicate member Dr Satheesh Kumar. The governor has clarified that none of them can be appointed. The High Court had earlier recognized the authority of the government to make recommendations on the appointment of interim VC. The governor has now sought the opinion of the government on the basis of this order.

Both sides softening their stance

• The governor sought the government's opinion on the appointment of the temporary VC in KTU after the High Court quashed the withdrawal of 15 nominated senators from the Kerala University and the formation of a search committee without a senate representative.
• The appointments of MG and Cusat VCs will be made in accordance with the government's interests. The government will also withdraw from its decision not to provide a senate representative for the appointment of Kerala University VC