Search Committee Representative: Agricultural University Rejects Governor's Proposal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Agricultural University General Council meeting rejected the Governor's proposal to appoint a representative to the search committee, formed for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. The meeting considered that it was not appropriate to appoint a representative to the search committee as the Governor had not signed the University Amendment Act passed by the Legislature.

Interim VC Dr B. Ashok proposed the name of former VC Dr P. Rajendran as the search committee representative and presented the official resolution. It was supported by 4 Congress representatives. Pro-Chancellor and Agriculture Minister P. Prasad and 18 other LDF members rejected the proposal.

At the same time, Congress members said that the proposal to select a representative was officially valid. From November 2022, the Agriculture Varsity has been functioning without a VC. It is pointed out that the Act at the time of vacancy should be considered for appointment as the University Act Amendment Bill was not in existence at that time.

The governor had sent 8 letters to the varsity to provide the search committee representative. Until the Governor signs the Bill passed by the Assembly, the existing law will be applicable for the appointment of VC. The Senate is meeting in Kerala on the 16th and in Cusat on the 17th to determine the search committee representative.