Latest news with #APJAbdulKalamTechnologicalUniversity
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chief Minister calls on Governor, raises slew of issues
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The meeting, which lasted an hour, came at a time when the State's higher education sector has been witnessing deep administrative turbulence. A range of pressing issues, primarily centred on the ongoing crisis involving various State universities, including Kerala University, which remains embroiled in a prolonged administrative standoff, are learnt to have figured in the discussions. Mr. Vijayan also reportedly handed over a panel of nominees for the appointment of interim Vice-Chancellor at the Digital University Kerala. He also urged the Governor to expedite the appointment of an interim Vice-Chancellor for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. The meeting also saw discussions on several pending Bills, including the Private Universities Bill, which at present awaits the Governor's assent. The meeting marks the first formal interaction between the Chief Minister and the Governor since the 'Bharat Mata' controversy flared up. The row led to tensions at Kerala University and the suspension of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar by Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal. However, there is no official word yet on whether the issue was raised during the conversation. The Chief Minister is also said to have extended an invitation to the Governor and his family to attend the official Onam celebrations hosted by the government. The Governor is understood to have assured the Chief Minister of his full cooperation in facilitating the government's administrative initiatives. Law and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, who spoke to mediapersons, said there was nothing unusual about the meeting, which is an essential component of the democratic governance system. 'Under such a framework, both the government and the Governor are entrusted with undertaking their assigned duties. Constant interactions are necessary to ensure smooth coordination,' the Minister said. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu recently indicated that the government had commenced efforts to restore normalcy in the functioning of universities by ironing out differences.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CUEO calls for Governor's intervention to address KTU impasse; demands V-C appointment from government panel
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations (CUEO), Kerala, has written to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also serves as the Chancellor of State-run universities, seeking steps to address the deteriorating state of affairs in the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). In a letter signed by CUEO general secretary Harilal, the organisation blamed Vice-Chancellor in-charge K. Sivaprasad for pushing the university into an administrative and financial crisis. The absence of key officials, including the Registrar, Controller of Examinations and Pro Vice-Chancellor, has crippled routine operations and decision-making processes. Besides, the Vice-Chancellor has not convened crucial meetings of statutory bodies such as the Syndicate. This, the organisation alleged, has delayed the approval of the Budget for the 2025–26 financial year, resulting in the suspension of pension distribution to retired staff, among other disruptions. CUEO also accused Dr. Sivaprasad of adopting unilateral decisions, including reinstating an employee who was involved in the alleged misappropriation of Provident Fund. Under such circumstances, immediate steps must be taken to remove the Vice-Chancellor and appoint someone from the panel submitted by the State government in accordance with the Kerala High Court verdict, the organisation urged the Governor.
India Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala High Court rejects Governor's appeal on Vice Chancellor appointments
The Kerala High Court has upheld its earlier ruling that annulled the temporary appointments of Vice Chancellors (VCs) to two state universities by the former Governor. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PV Balakrishnan upheld the single judge verdict, stating that the temporary appointments made at Kerala Digital University and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University were not legally Governor, who also is the Chancellor of the universities, had filed the appeal challenging the single bench order that deemed the appointments procedurally flawed. The court found merit in the original observation that the appointments had bypassed the proper legal case concerns the Governor's decision to appoint Ciza Thomas as the temporary Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University and K Sivaprasad as APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University VC. These appointments were made through separate notifications issued on November 27, 2024. The division bench observed that the University Grants Commission Regulations of 2010 and 2018 do not address temporary VC appointments pending regular ones. It referred to Section 13(7) of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act and Section 11(10) of the Kerala Digital University Act, which allow the Chancellor to appoint a temporary VC only for up to six months, and only with the state government's court held that the Chancellor had no authority to appoint anyone as VC 'until further orders,' as was done in these cases without the required recommendation. It upheld the single judge's decision to strike down those appointments, saying there was no reason to interfere with the May 19, 2025, judgment. The writ appeals were High Court also noted that the prolonged absence of regular VCs had harmed the functioning of both universities and affected students. It urged the Chancellor and the state government to act promptly and appoint full-time VCs without case involved two writ appeals: One challenged the annulment of Ciza Thomas's appointment as VC of Kerala Digital University. The court noted her appointment violated the 2021 Act, which requires state government recommendation. However, it did not remove her, as her six-month term was ending on May second related to K Sivaprasad's temporary appointment as VC of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. The court found that the Chancellor had not followed Section 13(7) of the 2015 Act, which also requires a government recommendation. As his tenure was nearly over, the court did not intervene. - Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Court Quashes Kerala Governors Vice Chancellor Picks, Urges Lawful Appointments
Kochi: In a setback to the Kerala Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of major universities in the state, the High Court on Monday dismissed writ petitions challenging a single judge's verdict that declared the temporary appointments of Vice-Chancellors at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and Kerala Digital University as unsustainable. The appeals were filed by the Chancellor and others, against the May 19, 2025 judgment which said the appointments were made without following proper legal procedure. The controversy began after the Chancellor appointed two persons--Ciza Thomas to the Kerala Digital University and K Sivaprasad to the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University --to the temporary posts of VC through notifications issued on November 27, 2024. These appointments were made under the respective University Acts, citing powers to fill the post for a maximum of six months in the absence of a regular VC. However, the state government challenged the appointments, arguing that they did not follow the procedure laid down in the Acts -- which require a panel of names to be recommended by the government -- and did not comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and P V Balakrishnan, upheld the single judge's ruling, agreeing that the notifications lacked legal backing. The court observed that although the appointments were temporary, they still required adherence to the statutory process, including the submission of a panel of at least three eligible names by the government. The judges also emphasised the importance of the VC's role, calling them the "bridge between academic and administrative functions" of a university. They referred to earlier Supreme Court judgments which stressed that VCs must be selected independently, without political or external pressure, and in the best interest of the university. While dismissing the appeals, the court noted the ongoing administrative deadlock in both universities and its negative effect on students. It urged the Chancellor and the state government to act promptly to make regular VC appointments in line with the law and UGC norms. "Considering the stalemate existing in the administration of the Technological University and the Digital University, which is continuing for a considerably long period, and which had an adverse impact on the functioning of the said universities and the interest of the student community, we are of the view that the Chancellor as well as the State Government will have to act pro-actively, to ensure that regular appointment to the post of Vice-Chancellor in the said Universities are made, without any further delay," the court said. The court also clarified that the UGC's 2018 regulations regarding qualifications and appointment procedures for university teachers and academic staff would override any conflicting provisions in state legislation. The verdict has come as a relief for the CPI(M)-led Left government, which has been at odds with the Governor over the administration of universities in the state. Welcoming the HC order, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said the court had confirmed that the Governor's actions in appointing Vice-Chancellors were unlawful. She said the High Court's rejection of the Governor's appeal supported what the state government had been saying all along. "The Governor has powers, but when he crosses the limits, it causes problems," the minister said. She also called the Chancellor's move --which she claimed could damage the reputation of universities --disgraceful. General Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty also welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for the government's efforts to ensure transparency in the education sector.
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
K-DISC pitches tech and innovation to help neurodivergent people
KOCHI: As a state with more than seven lakh differently abled people, it is high time Kerala leveraged technology and community participation to create an ecosystem catering to their needs. And that is precisely what the STRIDE (Social Technology and Research for Inclusive Design Excellence) project aims to do. As part of the programme designed by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), STRIDE Innovation Centres will be set up at engineering colleges under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and other universities. Another feature will be the setting up of a first-of-its-kind Makerspaces at select BUDS schools operated by Kudumbashree and the local self-government department (LSGD). 'The plan is to create India's first inclusive innovation ecosystem, and specifically, assistive/adaptive technology in 2026,' Robin Tommy, executive director of K-DISC's Social Enterprises and Inclusion (SEI), tells TNIE. 'The project aims to make Kerala a hub for social innovation, with a strong emphasis on community-driven solutions.' Launched in November 2024 on an experimental basis, the project will have four arms -- STRIDE Innovation Centres, STRIDE Makerspaces, STRIDE Hub, and STRIDE Network. 'The initiative envisions to make these neurodivergent individuals self-sufficient. They don't need our empathy or sympathy. What they need is a way to earn a livelihood once they turn 18. They need hand-holding,' he says. Explaining more about STRIDE, Robin says, 'At the innovation centres, the students will be encouraged to come up with designs that help improve the lives of their special needs brethren.' He stresses the innovation happening at these centres will be human-centric. K-DISC had conducted a Designathon, where more than 300 teams from colleges across the country presented their ideas. These ideas were arrived at through interactions with the differently abled persons, he says.
