Latest news with #K.Sivaprasad
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
HC orders status quo on V-Cs' appointment till June 6
The Kerala High Court has extended its previous order directing that status quo be maintained with respect to Vice-Chancellors of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology and the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University until June 6. The interim order came on the appeals filed by the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellors, challenging the judgment of the single Bench, which had held that the appointment as V-Cs of Ciza Thomas (Digital University) and K. Sivaprasad (Technological University) was not in accordance with law, owing to the absence of a recommendation from the State. In his appeal, the Chancellor said the Supreme Court had recognised the independent authority of the Chancellor in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. He further contended that the requirement of the State government's recommendation under the university Acts was inconsistent with UGC Regulations, 2018. He further contended that the six-month tenure limit applied only under the university Acts, and that the incumbents could continue until regular appointments are made.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
HC declares unsustainable Chancellor's appointment of temporary V-C for KTU
The Kerala High Court on Monday declared unsustainable a notification issued by the Chancellor appointing K. Sivaprasad, Professor, Department of Ship Technology, Cusat, as temporary Vice-Chancellor of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Justice Gopinath P., while allowing a writ petition filed by the State government, however, made it clear that the declaration will not have the effect of dislodging Mr. Sivaprasad from the office as his tenure is to expire by May 27. Besides, the court also observed that it need not at present interfere with the appointment as frequent changes of persons holding the office may not be conducive to the interest of the university and its students. The court, meanwhile, upheld the notification of the Chancellor appointing Ciza Thomas as temporary V-C of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology as it found that the university Act empowered the Chancellor to make such a temporary appointment. The court, while declaring unsustainable the notification on appointment of temporary V-C of the KTU, observed that it is clear that only persons who qualify in terms of the UGC Regulations can be appointed as Vice-Chancellor, even on a temporary basis, under sub-section (7) of Section 13 of the 2015 KTU Act. However, the procedure for such an appointment must commence with the government's recommendation. The government had contended that the Chancellor could not appoint a person who had not been recommended by the government as per the provisions of the Act. 'No provision in Act' As for the appointment of temporary V-C in the digital university, the court noted that the provision in the digital varsity Act does not contemplate any recommendation of the State government for appointment to the post of V-C. The court also directed the State government to recommend the names of persons possessing qualifications prescribed by the UGC Regulations for appointment as temporary V-C at the KTU. It also directed that steps be taken to fill the post of V-C of digital varsity without undue delay.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Raj Bhavan institutes inquiry into govt. 'inspection' at KTU
Raj Bhavan has initiated an inquiry into an alleged unsanctioned inspection at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) by officials of the Higher Education department. The department had recently conducted a 'surprise inspection' led by an Additional Secretary to probe a complaint by a student, whose application for PhD admission was purportedly rejected. The applicant had allegedly failed to prove his eligibility within the stipulated deadline. The officials also allegedly recorded statements from senior university officials without seeking consent from the Vice-Chancellor. The 'inspection' was seen by various quarters as bypassing the customary process of seeking written clarification on such issues. It was also alleged as an attempt to implement the University Laws (Amendment) Bills, which would empower the Higher Education Minister or an appointed officer to conduct inspections. The Governor was yet to give assent to the Bills. Following the inspection, KTU Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sivaprasad submitted a report to the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of the university. The Governor is learnt to have summoned senior officials of the department to seek an explanation on the issue.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Staff organisation objects to ‘unlawful inspection' at KTU
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Staff Organisation (TUSO) has accused the Higher Education department of infringing on the university's autonomy by conducting an unsanctioned inspection on campus. The department, TUSO alleged, conducted a 'surprise inspection' led by an additional secretary on Friday to probe a complaint by a Students Federation of India (SFI) leader regarding the denial of his PhD admission. The inspection was conducted without the knowledge or consent of the Vice-Chancellor, the organisation claimed. 'First known instance' The officials allegedly recorded statements of senior university officials, including the Registrar. TUSO alleged that this was the first known instance of government officials directly questioning university personnel, bypassing the customary process of seeking written clarification from the institution. TUSO claimed that the inspection took place at a time when the Governor is yet to give his assent to the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which would empower the Higher Education Minister or an appointed officer to carry out such inspections legally. The complaint that prompted the inspection was apparently submitted by former Syndicate member Ashiq Ibrahimkutty, whose application for PhD admission was rejected after he allegedly failed to prove his eligibility within deadline. Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sivaprasad also instituted an inquiry into allegations that the applicant had threatened the Dean of Research. TUSO has urged the Vice-Chancellor to bring the issue to the attention of the Chancellor, highlighting what it termed an unlawful intrusion by the government into university affairs.
