THRISSUR: Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that the UGC has not interfered in the appointment of college principals in the state to violate the rules. The minister added that a special committee has been appointed to look into the complaint and the government has no vested interest in the matter. The minister of higher education said that she will intervene if there is a situation where justice is denied.

‘As per UGC norms, principals were selected in government colleges on the basis of seniority from the list of qualified candidates. A committee was formed to conduct selection for 55 vacancies in government colleges. This selection committee prepared a list of 67 people. A sub-committee later cut it short to a list of 43 people. There were many complaints from those who were excluded. Following this, necessary steps were taken to check whether there is any truth in the complaint and to ensure justice,’ clarified the minister.

‘The final decision will be taken only after considering the legal issues. The rest will be done on the basis of legal advice. This is not only in terms of appointment of principal, seven special grade principals, five deputy director officers and additional directors of collegiate education are also coming up as promotion posts. Those deserving should come. The government has no vested interest to include anyone in the list. If there is a situation where justice is denied, will intervene,’ said the minister.