Government cancels order demoting KTU exam controller; open battle between IHRD Director and govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has cancelled an order issued by the IHRD Director that demoted Dr Vinu Thomas from the rank of Professor. Dr Vinu Thomas currently holds the charge of Controller of Examinations at the Technological University (KTU).

The disciplinary action was originally taken following allegations of financial irregularities during his tenure as the Principal of IHRD Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara. The primary charge was related to a Rs 4.22 lakh contract for the digitalisation of reference books, which allegedly remained incomplete. The IHRD Director had also recommended a Vigilance inquiry into the matter.

However, a departmental inquiry conducted by the Joint Secretary of Higher Education found that neither the college nor the government suffered any financial loss. Based on this, the government decided to drop all further proceedings against him. Despite the government issuing a letter to close the case, the IHRD Director appointed a College Dean to continue the probe, claiming the government had no authority over IHRD’s internal disciplinary actions. Dr Vinu challenged this and approached the government. While his appeal was under consideration, the Director issued an order demoting him to Associate Professor.

The government has now exercised its discretionary power to scrap that order, stating that such a demotion cannot be finalised solely by the Director and is legally invalid without the approval of the Executive Committee.

University relieves Dr Vinu Thomas; government demands reinstatement
Following the demotion order issued by the IHRD Director, the Vice-Chancellor of the University relieved Dr Vinu Thomas of his duties, citing disqualification. However, in light of the government's latest decision, the Additional Secretary of Higher Education has directed the University Registrar to take steps to reinstate Dr Vinu in his previous position.

• The University’s current rules do not easily allow for the reinstatement of an official once they have been formally relieved. Previously, the University had rejected similar government directives to reinstate a former Registrar and Exam Controller. Those cases are currently under the Governor’s consideration.
• It is noteworthy that Dr Vinu Thomas had previously filed a petition against the permanent appointment of V A Arunkumar (son of former CM V S Achuthanandan) as the IHRD Director. Following that legal challenge, Arunkumar lost the opportunity for the permanent post.