THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has made it clear that he will not reconsider the appointment of interim Vice Chancellors (VCs) at Digital and Technological universities. The Governor conveyed this during a meeting with Law Minister P. Rajeev and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu at Raj Bhavan. Although the Chief Minister had sent a letter on the matter earlier, the Governor had not responded. The Supreme Court had directed that the Governor and the state government should work together on VC appointments. When the ministers claimed the verdict was in the government’s favour, the Governor corrected them.

The Governor explained that the appointment of the interim VCs was made based on legal advice sought in connection with the Supreme Court verdict. He added that when the Supreme Court reconsiders the case on the 13th, the steps taken would be communicated to the court.

With this development, prospects for a compromise appear bleak. The meeting with the ministers lasted from 8:00 to 9:45 in the morning.

Severe crisis in the University

The university is facing a severe crisis due to the administrative standoff, which has prevented the Syndicate from convening. Certificates for students have not been issued. There is no money to print certificates or to pay for software and internet services. Salaries and pensions for staff have also been delayed. The budget required for these expenditures can only be approved when the Syndicate meets.

Appointments can be made once stay is lifted, says Governor

The ministers drew attention to the Supreme Court’s order to appoint permanent Vice Chancellors at digital and technological universities. In response, the Governor noted that the search committee he had formed for eight universities could not continue its work due to a stay order secured by the government from the High Court. He added that the appointment process would resume once the stay is lifted.

Additional duties assigned to Private Secretary

At the Technological University, the Private Secretary of the interim VC has been given the additional charge of Registrar. Gopin, currently serving as Joint Registrar, was assigned the responsibility by VC Dr. K. Sivaprasad using special powers. The Registrar’s position has been vacant for three months due to the VC–Syndicate conflict. After the previous Registrar’s transfer in February, Bindukumari had taken charge, but she retired in May, and no successor was appointed. According to regulations, if the Registrar goes on leave or is unavailable for an extended period, the Joint Registrar can be given additional charge for up to six months.