logo
Cabinet clears ordinance to change DUK VC selection panel

Cabinet clears ordinance to change DUK VC selection panel

Time of India6 hours ago
Thiruvananthapuram: In an apparent move against Kerala University of Digital Sciences (DUK) interim vice-chancellor (VC) Ciza Thomas, the state cabinet on Wednesday decided to amend the provisions of Kerala University of Digital Sciences Act for setting up a search-cum-selection committee for the appointment of a permanent VC.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The state cabinet approved the draft ordinance for making changes in subsections 3, 4 and 6 of the university rule 11.
A
statement from the chief minister's office (CMO) said the ordinance aims to make changes in the Act in accordance with the provisions in UGC regulations (2018) and recent court orders. The state cabinet has decided to send the draft ordinance to governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlerkar for clearance.
Governor reappointing Thomas as the interim VC of DUK came as a severe blow to the state govt. Earlier, Thomas had submitted a report to the governor regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds at the university, following which the governor recommended a CAG probe into her alleged findings.
As per the provisions in UGC (2018) regulations, only academics can be included in the search committee for VC selection. Currently, the chief secretary is also a member of the committee.
An expert in electronics, a UGC representative, a university representative and govt representatives are members of the committee.
However, the draft UGC regulations (2025) stipulate that the selection committee should have representatives of the chancellor, UGC and university. It is alleged that the govt is trying to appoint a VC of its choice at DUK well before the 2025 regulation comes into effect.
Meanwhile, tensions between govt representatives and interim VC K Sivaprasad have thrown Kerala Technological University's (KTU) administration into turmoil.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
A meeting of the finance standing committee scheduled on Wednesday, to approve the university's draft budget, could not meet due to lack of quorum. Since only three of the 14-member committee turned up for the meeting, the meeting could not be held.
It is alleged that committee members abstained from the meeting on the political instructions of the govt. Because of the delay in passing the university's budget, the daily administration of the university is already in peril.
KTU has defaulted its payment to the software company that runs the e-governance system. It is yet to pay Amazon for the cloud servers used for e-governance. None of the internet service providers have been paid their fees for months.
Technical University Staff Organization, protesting against the negative and destructive stance of the statutory committee members, urged the VC to use his special powers and pass the budget or at least go for a vote on account before the university faces further paralysis.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Govt announces discount on trade licence renewal for shops using Odia on signboards
Govt announces discount on trade licence renewal for shops using Odia on signboards

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Govt announces discount on trade licence renewal for shops using Odia on signboards

Bhubaneswar: To promote use of Odia language in public spaces, the Odisha govt has announced a 5% discount on trade license renewal fees for shops and commercial establishments that use Odia script on their signboards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The housing and urban development department issued a notification on Wednesday to ensure compliance with the Orissa Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, which mandates the use of Odia on signboards. Citing Rule 32 of the 1958 Rules framed under the Act, the govt reiterated that every business outlet must display its name prominently in Odia script. "To promote and protect the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Odisha, the state govt shows its strong commitment and helps the public who do not understand any other language or script except Odia," read the notification. All municipal corporations, municipalities, and urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state will ensure that shops and commercial establishments in their areas are using Odia billboards. Official sources said despite repeated directives in the past, many establishments continue to flout the rule by using only English or other scripts. The latest circular warns that strict action will be taken against violators while offering a financial incentive to encourage compliance. "All shop owners and business operators are hereby directed to prominently use Odia in at least 60% of the signages. Non-compliance will attract penal action," the order stated. "To encourage more shops and business establishments to use Odia scripts, the govt has offered a 5% discount on the renewal of their trade licenses. The discount can be availed on the SUJOG and portals," it read. Urban local bodies have been instructed to strictly enforce the rule across their jurisdictions and submit a report about adherence within the next 60 days. The govt's decision has been welcomed by language activists, who have long demanded stricter implementation of the policy to safeguard the identity and dignity of Odia language.

SC orders states to survey orphaned kids denied education
SC orders states to survey orphaned kids denied education

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

SC orders states to survey orphaned kids denied education

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed all states to survey orphaned children who were denied education under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. A bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice KV Viswanathan asked the Centre to consider including data of such children in the upcoming census, scheduled to be carried out in 2027. The apex court was hearing a plea raising concerns for orphans in need of care and protection. The bench further directed the states to survey orphaned children who had been granted admission in schools under the provisions of the Act. The petitioner said schemes of the Centre and the state govts for protection and care of orphans were inadequate, requiring consideration. "States to make a survey of the orphan children who have already been granted admission under the provisions of the Act as well as a survey of the children who have been denied such right to free and compulsory education under the Act and if so, for what reasons," the top court said. The states would have to return with their respective affidavits. With the survey and data collection going on, the bench asked for simultaneous efforts to ensure deserving children got admissions in neighbourhood schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Watching Videos Can Boost Your Income TheDaddest Undo The bench granted four weeks to the authorities to comply with the directions. It came on record that several states, including Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya and Sikkim, had already issued notifications to include orphaned children within the 25% quota for those belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups as prescribed in Section 12 (1) (c) of the law. The bench said other states might also consider issuing similar notification and file a related affidavit on record. It posted the matter for Sept 9. The petitioner sought directions to the Centre to consider having a data of orphans in the upcoming census. When the petitioner said the Centre should be asked to file a detailed affidavit on the aspects raised in the plea, the bench said it would consider all the issues. The bench observed there were Juvenile Justice Committee in all high courts and national consultations were also being held on these issues. The petitioner contended that India gives a lot of support and lot of opportunities to children of weaker sections such as scholarships, reservations, jobs, loans, etc., but there was nothing for orphans. She said Unicef estimates 25 million orphans in India. BOX SC order on Lucknow lawyer's PIL The PIL was filed by Lucknow-based social activist and lawyer Poulomi Pavini Shukla. "This direction is a welcome as well as necessary step, in order to provide quality education to orphan children in the country," said Shukla. India has more than 2 crore orphan children, according to Unicef estimates. Shukla also raised the demand of enumerating orphan children in the upcoming census. The Solicitor General, appearing on behalf of central govt responded affirmatively that orphan children should be included in the census data collection and said he would seek instruction. After filing of her PIL, various states have brought in steps for orphans welfare, including providing reservation to orphan children.

SHOs to act against pvt security firms without licence
SHOs to act against pvt security firms without licence

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

SHOs to act against pvt security firms without licence

Lucknow: Station house officers (SHOs) will now identify and take action against private security firms operating without a valid licence in their respective jurisdictions, according to new directives issued by the Lucknow Police. The instructions were part of a meeting held on Wednesday at the Reserve Police Lines, chaired by joint commissioner of police (Law and order) Babloo Kumar. Kumar directed all SHOs to identify and take strict legal action against unlicensed private security agencies functioning in their respective jurisdictions. In addition, they were asked to prepare a list of security firms registered outside Lucknow but operating within the city under state-level licenses. "A major highlight of the meeting was the enforcement of employee verification protocols. All licensed security agencies are now mandated to get every staff member verified through the UPCOP App or the official Lucknow Police website. Agencies must also maintain comprehensive documentation, including Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks and photographs of all employees, and must comply with provisions of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005," police said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Take a Look - How Watching Videos Can Boost Your Income TheDaddest Undo The meeting was attended by representatives from the Association of Private Security Owners of UP (APSO), including president Ashish Singh and vice president Umesh Kumar. SHOs have been instructed to hold monthly coordination meetings with owners or authorised representatives of security agencies. Also, assistant commissioners of police will conduct quarterly inspections of security firms, and agencies must apply at least 45 days in advance for licence renewal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store