THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought the position of the UGC on the illegal appointments of Sree Narayanaguru Open University VC Dr PM Mubarak Pasha and Thiruvananthapuram Digital University VC Dr Saji Gopinath, who were given notice of dismissal. The governor had issued notices to both of them, pointing out that their appointments were against UGC rules as there was no search committee or panel for their appointment as the first VCs of their respective varsities.

In the hearing held the other day, both Mubarak Pasha and Saji Gopinath had informed the Governor that the first VC appointment was made without a search committee as the VC is essential for UGC approval. They also requested the Governor to seek relaxation in the UGC rules for these universities. The Governor wrote to the UGC chairman based on the request of the two VCs. He will inform the High Court about this.

Shortcut for the Pasha, blocked by the Governor
An attempt was made to retrospectively create the position of director of the College Development Council of Calicut University after a complaint was filed in the High Court alleging that the vice-chancellor of the Open University, Mubarak Pasha, lacked ten years of teaching experience. Pasha had served for two years at Calicut University. The recommendation in this regard was rejected by the Governor last week.

Pasha, who worked as principal of Farook College, Kozhikode for six years and director of distance education at Calicut University for two years, was director of CDC during 2003-2006. However, the CDC post was not created then. He was on deputation from college to a temporary post. So those 2 years of experience will not be considered for VC appointment.

The UGC requirement of 10 years of teaching experience as a professor can be followed if the CDC post is declared retroactive to 2003. The government previously rejected the varsity's recommendation to regularise the post.