Appointments in violation of norms

The military is one place where political interference is the bare minimum. The appointments done there are conducted by departments related to the defence forces. The military is the most disciplined and efficient organization in the country. There have only been advantages because of noninterference from the political class.

Nepotism and political interference must be stopped in scientific and technological institutions and also in universities. An expert committee must appoint Vice Chancellors based only on merit. The Supreme Court’s cancellation of Dr Rajasree as Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University is a result of political interference in the appointment of VCs by violating UGC norms.

The Supreme Court’s order has put the appointments of the other four VCs on the balance. If someone approaches the court against the appointment of Vice Chancellors at Sanskrit, MG, Fisheries, and Kannur Universities, the result will probably be the disqualification of incumbent VCs of the concerned universities.

Following the court’s order, Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, has ordered Raj Bhavan officials to collect the documents related to the appointments of VCs to these universities. If it is found that the VCs were appointed in violation of the guidelines before the interference of the court, then the Governor has the authority to cancel such appointments. This might lead to more conflicts and controversies.

As the setback is received from the Supreme Court, the only way out for the universities and the government is to correct the appointments and guidelines according to the UGC norms and make them lawful.

The guidelines, including the appointment of Vice Chancellors, are given in the 2010 UGC regulations. As the universities are taking grants from the UGC, it is imperative that they follow the UGC regulations. When the universities followed the regulations of UGC concerning the salary hike of teachers and professors, in 2010, they did not follow the UGC guidelines on VC appointments.

If the guidelines were followed in appointing VCs, then it would not have been possible to appoint those who were favoured by the government. This was why the guidelines for VC appointment was not followed.

The 2010 UGC regulations stipulate that the VC must be appointed from the list of three to five names given by the Search Committee. A UGC representative must also be present on the Search Committee. However, the Supreme Court has found that these guidelines were not followed in the appointment of VC to the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Including the Chief Secretary in the Search Committee and at the same time avoiding the UGC representative is a clear violation of the law.

There is already an allegation that when those favourable to the government are appointed as VC, then the government can interfere in many appointments to the university later. For progress in academic quality, actions must be taken to bring down political interference.