Periyar University violates govt circular, begins academic year
SALEM: Salem Periyar University began the academic year 2025-26 on June 30, instead of on July 1 as directed by the Tamil Nadu higher education secretary, triggering a controversy over the purpose of the preponement.
Some officials alleged that the move was meant to give a one-year extension to V R Palanivel, a professor in the MBA department.
The then higher education secretary, C Samayamoorthy, issued a circular on May 22, 2025, instructing all universities and colleges to start the academic year on July 1. Additionally, the statutes of Periyar University explicitly state that the academic year should commence on July 1, as the university's summer vacation runs from May 1 to June 30.
During a syndicate meeting held on Nov 22, 2024, former vice-chancellor D Jagannathan approved the extension of Palanivel's tenure by another year, sources in the university said.
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"Palanivel was born on June 15, 1965, and his retirement was scheduled for June 30, 2025," the sources noted. They further explained that if Palanivel resumed his duties at the beginning of an academic year, he would remain until its conclusion.
"This is the reason for the reopening was preponed to June 30," a source asserted.
Second-year classes are scheduled to begin only on July 2 while first-year classes will begin on July 9. "With classes starting on different dates, how could the academic year for the university begin on June 30?" a source asked.
University sources urged the state govt to resolve this issue as nearly Rs 36 lakh would be allocated as Palanivel's salary for an academic year. The source contended that this situation constituted a clear violation of both the university statutes and the higher education secretary's circular.
When contacted by TOI, state higher education minister Govi Chezhiyaan said he would investigate the matter. "I will consult with the university administration and will address it if there are any violations," he said.
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