VC appointment and government-governor standoffs

The government-governor standoff and fight over the appointment of university VCs first started when Arif Mohammed Khan was the Governor of Kerala. The direct battle between the then government and the governor on this issue started to intensify after the governor demanded the resignation of all nine VCs at one stage, following the Supreme Court order. The Governor appointed Dr. Ciza Thomas as the VC of the Abdul Kalam Technological University, rejecting the government's recommendations. Subsequent developments proved that Ciza Thomas had become a thorn in the government's side.

On the eve of Ciza Thomas' retirement after completing her service period, she was given a show-cause notice. Even her gratuity and pension were withheld for two years. She grabbed the deserving benefits from the government by filing a case in the Central Administrative Tribunal and the High Court. The same Ciza Thomas was in the list submitted to the Chief Minister by the Justice Dhulia Committee for the appointment of the VC of the Technical University. The Governor's recommendation is that Ciza Thomas be appointed as the VC of the Technical University, but the government does not agree with this. It can be assumed that the government views Ciza Thomas as a person who has created challenges by standing with the Governor. Therefore, the government's position is that Dr. Saji Gopinath should be appointed as the VC. This is what has caused the VC issue to be dragged out in the Supreme Court again.

The Supreme Court, which had directed the appointments to be made through consensus, had said that if it could not be done, it would step in and appoint the VCs itself. Ministers P Rajeev and R Bindu had met the Governor at the Lok Bhavan to try to reach a consensus, but the discussion failed. It is understood from the news that had the Governor been willing to remove Dr. Ciza Thomas, the government would have accepted any other proposal and created a consensus. Meanwhile, Minister P Rajeev told the media that the government was not stubborn or had any special interest in the appointment of the VC. The minister pointed out that the discussions did not reach anywhere because the Chancellor was stubborn.

The Supreme Court has announced that the order appointing VCs will be issued on December 18 as there is no consensus. The sooner the appointment of VCs is done, the better for the efficient running of universities and the future of students. Since the panel for technical and digital universities has been submitted by Justice Dhulia Committee, there is no need for anyone to dispute the expertise of those involved. Therefore, the Supreme Court will not be taking a decision based on the likes and dislikes and recommendations of the government and the governor. In any case, it is a relief that this issue will be resolved soon.