Governor-Government consensus required for permanent VC appointment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The stay obtained by the government from the High Court will hinder the SC decision to appoint a permanent Vice-Chancellor in universities. The government has obtained a stay against the search committee formed by the Governor on his own. The Governor opined that the appointment of the VC cannot be started without lifting the stay. This may also be reported to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's order is to appoint the VC as per the UGC norms. For this, the Governor can form a search committee consisting of a UGC representative. The Governor has the authority to appoint the VC based on the recommendation of the search committee. The committee should consist of representatives of the UGC, the Chancellor, and the Syndicate/Senate. The government has stopped providing university representatives for the appointment. The High Court has quashed the search committees formed by the Governor without university representatives. The search committees formed by the Government without the Governor's representative also did not exist. The appointment of the VC is possible only if a consensus is reached between the Government and the Governor.

There are 12 universities without a permanent VC. Only the University of Health Sciences has a permanent VC and a Pro Vice-Chancellor. There is no Pro VC in other institutions. Since there are no VCs, permanent teaching appointments are not being made. Four-year courses are entirely handled by contract teachers. Temporary VCs are not making important decisions. Development projects and academic reforms are at a standstill. The government is not cooperating with the in-charge VCs appointed by the Governor.

Based on the Supreme Court order, the Governor will issue a notice to VCs Dr Ciza Thomas (Digital) and Dr. K. Sivaprasad (Technology) to continue as interim Vice Chancellors. If the appointment of the permanent VC gets delayed, their term will be extended again.

Earlier, the Governor had rejected the panel given by the government for the appointment of VCs for both posts.