Appointment of syndicate sub-committee to curtail functioning of VC is illegal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of the Syndicate sub-committee to curtail the functioning of KTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ciza Thomas after the Governor cancelled the notification to make 100 backdoor appointments, is considered illegal. The committee members are former CPM MP PK Biju, CPM district committee member I Saju, registrar A Praveen and associate professor G Sanjeev of Palakkad NSS College. The decision was taken in the syndicate meeting held yesterday.

The VC, who is the Chief Executive and Chief Academic Officer of the Technological University and ex-officio Chairperson of all committees including the syndicate, cannot be controlled or monitored as per the university rules. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who is of the opinion that it is not right to restrict the activities of the VC, hints that the decision of the syndicate will be cancelled. It was Kerala Kaumudi that brought to light the backdoor appointments at the Technological varsity.

According to the syndicate, the sub-committee was appointed to carry out the day-to-day administration as the powers of the Chancellor are limited. However, as per the University Act, the VC must ensure that the decision of any committee of the University is not contrary to Act, Statute or Regulations. The VC is the one who should supervise and monitor the academic programs and general administration to ensure the efficiency and orderliness of the University.

If there is a difference of opinion with the positions of authority, including the syndicate, the VC can refer the matter to the Chancellor. The decision of the Chancellor is final. The syndicate has also given a curious direction that all correspondence between the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor should be brought to the notice of the syndicate.