Lowest research score, first rank in interview; document that proves irregularity in Priya Varghese's appointment is out

KANNUR: The controversy regarding the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister's Private Secretary K K Ragesh has intensified. Among the candidates interviewed for the post of Associate Professor, Priya Varghese was given more marks despite having the least score as a research scholar. An important document related to the appointment of Priya Varghese has come out.

A document which proves irregularity in giving first rank to Priya Varghese in appointment list has come out. Priya Varghese has the lowest research score among the candidates. It is clear from the document that Priya got the first rank because of the high marks she got in the interview. Priya's research score is 156 and second ranker Joseph Scaria's research score is 651.

The decision to appoint Priya Varghese, an assistant professor at Kerala Varma College, Thrissur as an associate professor in Kannur university became highly controversial. Following the controversy, the rank list was postponed without appointment. But the university syndicate meeting held last month approved the list in which Priya Varghese was ranked first. It was also alleged that Dr Gopinath Ravindran was reappointed as VC in Kannur University as a reward for giving first rank to Priya Varghese.

Priya Varghese is on deputation as Assistant Director at Bhasha Institute since August 7 last year. The deputation period has now been extended by one year. If Priya Varghese is appointed an associate professor in Kannur University, then it will be possible to move her to the post of Director at Bhasha Institute. Currently the Director post is vacant. It is indicated that the extension of the deputation is a part of that preparation. Meanwhile, the governor has sought a report from the VC on the appointment of Priya Varghese in Kannur. The 'Save University' campaign committee complained to the Governor that Priya was considered for the post without having eight years of teaching experience as prescribed by the UGC.