Backdoor appointments in KTU; leader's wife and brother-in-law among those who received backdoor appointments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Neighbours of syndicate members, a former minister's personal staff member, the brother-in-law of the vice-president of the university employees' union and the wife of a leader of the Left-wing of Kerala University are among those who got backdoor appointments in the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University

Even those with no driving skills were hired as drivers. Recently, a new staff bus of the university had hit an electric post due to the lack of experience of the driver. Due to this, the university suffered a loss of Rs 20,093. Later, the driver quit his job. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ciza Thomas gave a report to the Governor confirming the news of 'Backdoor Appointments in KTU' published by Kerala Kaumudi yesterday.

54 administrative staff, 19 e-governance support staff, 9 office attendants, 4 drivers and 8 sweepers were appointed on December 1 based on interviews. The newly appointed are regular participants in meetings and sit-ins of the Left Union on the instructions of the higher officials of the university. There are only 57 permanent employees in the varsity. Although the university had asked for an allotment of 100 assistant posts, the government allotted only 25. Because the appointment should be left to the PSC, permanent positions have not been created. It is a 179-day appointment. The contract is, however, extended to individuals who are close to the union and its officials.

Appointments were made without the knowledge of the VC
Former Vice Chancellor Dr MS Rajasree had not given permission for contract appointments. Ciza Thomas took charge as VC on November 4. The registrar issued the appointment notification on November 8th without informing and seeking the permission of the VC. The Governor can cancel the illegal notification.