Governor Appoints New Vice Chancellors Amid CPI(M) Protest

Governor Appoints New Vice Chancellors Amid CPI(M) Protest

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - In a move that has triggered sharp reactions from the ruling CPI(M), Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has appointed new vice chancellors to A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Digital University in Kerala.

Khan, who is also the Chancellor of the university, has appointed K Sivaprasad, Professor at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, as the vice chancellor of the Technological University on an interim basis until further orders. The appointment was made with immediate effect, following Khan's exercise of his powers and performance of duties as Vice Chancellor.

Furthermore, Ciza Thomas, a Senior Joint Director (Retd) at the Directorate of Technical Education, has been appointed as the vice chancellor of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology.

The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala has been critical of Khan's move, terming it "highly condemnable", unilateral, and in violation of rules and norms. Accusing the governor of acting arbitrarily and undermining the education and employment sector of the state, the party has warned legal action and people's agitation against his decision.

"The appointment of these new VCs without considering the list submitted by the government is sheer arrogance," a statement from the CPI(M) state secretariat said. "This move amounts to challenging the rule of law and undermining the efforts of the government to improve the quality of Kerala's higher education sector."

The CPI(M) has long been at odds with Governor Khan over various issues, including vice chancellor appointments and faculty recruitments in universities across the state. Despite these tensions, the ruling party has urged people to take collective action against Khan's decision.

As discussions continue around the appointment of new VCs, the higher education sector in Kerala remains on high alert, watching developments closely.