Kerala Guv Arif Khan sacks Calicut, Sanskrit University VCs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan sacked the vice-chancellors of Calicut and Sanskrit universities in one major move on Thursday. Calicut VC. Dr MK Jayaraj and Sanskrit University VC Dr MV Narayanan were expelled on account of their appointment not following the UGC set norms. Raj Bhavan also sought UGC's opinion on the appointment of Digital and Open University VCs Dr Saji Gopinath and Mubarak Pasha.

Only one name appeared in the search committee which led to the expulsion of the Sanskrit VC. As per norms, at least three names should reach the Governor for consideration. Sree Narayanaguru Open University VC Mubarak Pasha submitted his resignation but the governor has not yet accepted it.

The procedure for ousting the VCs was completed yesterday at the Raj Bhavan. The UGC earlier informed the Governor that all four appointments made were done without duly following the law. Saji Gopinath will be the charge of Technical Varsity and will also act as interim VC. If he is expelled, the VC will cease to exist for both the varsities.

The open and digital university VC appointments are also under the lens as they were appointed without forming a committee including a UGC representative. The Open University VC does not have 10 years of experience as a professor. The Chief Secretary's membership in the appointment committee led to the ouster of the Calicut VC.