Move to ensure work experience for Open University VC

MALAPPURAM: A move is being made to create the post of Director of College Development Council (CDC) of Calicut University with a retrospective effect to ensure that Sree Narayanaguru Open University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mubarak Pasha has ten years of experience as a professor. The Calicut University syndicate meeting held yesterday decided to submit the recommendation to the Chancellor.

The governor had sought an explanation pointing out that Mubarak Pasha has only eight years of work experience. As per UGC norms, a Vice-Chancellor should have a minimum teaching experience of 10 years as a professor in a university. Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court issued a strict directive that UGC norms must be followed.

Mubarak Pasha, who served six years as Principal of Farook College, Calicut and two years as Director of Distance Education Department of Calicut University, had worked as Director of College Development Council of Calicut University during 2003-2006. Although this is equivalent to the rank of Professor, experience in the same will not be considered as the post has not been created. If the post gets created with a retrospective effect, Mubarak Pasha can escape the Governor's action.

CDC was formed on the instructions of UGC to promote research activities. UGC will bear the director's salary for the first five years. After that, the salary should be borne by the government. After Dr Mubarak Pasha became director, a recommendation was submitted to the government through the university to stabilize the post. However, it was not accepted. This will be again submitted to the Chancellor.