THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The relaxation in the eligibility criteria that considers the service period of those working on deputation elsewhere as teaching experience for appointment of principals in Government Arts and Science Colleges, is contrary to the High Court order.

The eligibility criteria were amended to allow Dr PP Prakash, to be appointed as Principal. Prakash is the state president of Association of Kerala Government College Teachers (AKGCT) and Malayalam professor at SNGS college, Pattambi. While the state governments are not empowered to grant relaxation or amend the UGC regulations, the amendment was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary. The state had earlier accepted the UGC qualification of 15 years of service and PhD with at least 10 publications in UGC recognized journals. The College Education Department did not consider Prakash's application as he did not have 15 years of teaching experience. They pointed out that the period of five years on deputation in the Higher Secondary Directorate cannot be considered as teaching experience.

The principal post in 60 government arts and science colleges has been lying vacant for more than four years. Out of 85 applicants only 44 were qualified as per UGC regulations. The appointment order was about to be issued as per PSC recommendation, but the government amended the eligibility criteria yielding to the pressure of the union leaders. The application of those who do not have as many research publications as prescribed by the UGC has also been directed to be re-examined.