Governor accepts Open University VC's resignation with conditions; V P Jagadhiraj to become VC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Muhammad Khan has accepted Kerala Open University Vice Chancellor Mubarak Pasha's resignation with conditions. The Raj Bhavan informed that further stand will be taken according to the court decision in the case related to his qualification. Raj Bhavan also stated that V P Jagadhiraj will replace Pasha.

Open University VC Pasha tendered his resignation amid governor's toughening stand. A hearing was held at Raj Bhavan for the four VCs to state their side as per the instructions of the high court. Pasha tendered his resignation the other day without waiting for it. Digital VC Saji Gopinath came in person. Calicut VC's lawyer came for the hearing. Advocate of Sanskrit VC came online. UGC joint secretary and standing counselors of UGC and Governor also attended the hearing.

The stand taken by the UGC representative in the hearing is that the appointment of VCs is not as per the norms of UGC regulation. The explanation of Digital VC was that the government can directly appoint as the first VC. The governor initiated action against 11 other VCs after the Supreme Court expelled Dr Rajasree, KTU VC, on grounds of UGC ineligibility. The Raj Bhavan has moved against the remaining four.

The problem is that the open and digital VCs were directly appointed by the government without a UGC representative. The chief secretary in the search committee was the legal hurdle in the appointment of Calicut VC.