Chancellor cannot make appointments unilaterally: Minister Bindu says VCs should not engage in narrow politics

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister R Bindu has reacted to the High Court's decision to dismiss the Governor's appeal on the appointment of temporary VC. The minister said that the Chancellor cannot appoint VCs unilaterally. Bindu also said that it is wrong to interfere in a way that sabotages the achievements of the higher education sector. "The Bharatamba controversy, which was initiated by the Governor, has created problems. VCs should not engage in narrow-minded politics in universities and should refrain from taking steps to implement RSS interests," the minister demanded. The minister pointed out that VCs should not indulge in political gimmicks and that any lapse in academic activities cannot be accepted.

The appeal filed by the Governor against the single bench order that the appointment of temporary vice-chancellors in two universities was illegal was dismissed by the High Court. The division bench upheld the single bench order that the appointment of temporary VCs should be from a panel provided by the state government. The division bench also directed that the tenure of temporary VCs should be a maximum of six months. The court directed that the delay in the appointment of permanent VCs would adversely affect the university's processes and that there should be no delay in the appointment of permanent VCs. The single bench order was on technical and digital VC appointments. The High Court has quashed the appointment of temporary VCs. SFI responded that it is happy with the verdict