Latest news with #RajendraVishwanathArlekar
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Governor cancels Kerala University syndicate's decision to promote pro-CPM functionary
T'puram: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has cancelled Kerala University syndicate's decision to promote pro-CPM teachers' union functionary S Naseeb as an associate professor, allegedly violating university and UGC norms. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The syndicate's decision to consider the contract appointment period of the candidate in Sanskrit University for the promotion had sparked controversy earlier. A special meeting of the university syndicate on May 5, convened to discuss the governor's show-cause notice regarding the appointment, decided to ignore the notice and stick to the decision to promote the candidate. However, the university vice-chancellor (VC) Mohanan Kunnummal and opposition members in the syndicate opposed the move. Kunnummal pointed out that accepting the contract appointment period as teaching experience for promotion, contrary to UGC regulations, would necessitate a retrospective review of many current teachers' promotions. Only previous teaching experience with a salary equivalent to the assistant professor position should be considered for promotion, according to the regulations, the VC pointed out. Naseeb's temporary appointment at the Sanskrit University was at a salary lower than that of an assistant professor. Meanwhile, Naseeb approached the high court questioning the VC's stance of not implementing the syndicate's decision, but the court directed the governor to make a decision. Save University Campaign Committee alleged that the decision to lower the qualifications for the post of pro vice-chancellor (PVC) from professor to associate professor in the recently passed university amendment bill was to appoint Naseeb as PVC. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hence CPM members in the syndicate took a stand to bypass UGC regulations for promotion, the committee said. It also submitted a petition to the governor and VC requesting the prevention of Naseeb's unauthorised promotion. Meanwhile, the state govt submitted a list of candidates to Raj Bhavan to be considered for appointment as interim VCs of Digital and Technological universities. The high court recently ruled that the appointment of interim VCs should be made from the list of candidates prepared by the state govt. Former governor Arif Mohammed Khan appointed Ciza Thomas and K Sivaprasad as the interim VCs of Digital and Technological universities respectively against the state govt's preference.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chancellor annuls Kerala University Syndicate's promotion decision
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also serves as the Chancellor of Kerala University, annulled a Syndicate decision to promote S. Nazeeb, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kerala Studies. Dr. Nazeeb, who is also a Syndicate member, is the general secretary of the Left-leaning Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA). An order issued by the Kerala Raj Bhavan found the decision to be in violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. The Syndicate had accepted Dr. Nazeeb's petition to have his nearly-18 month period of contract service at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit counted towards his Career Advancement Scheme as 'past service' for promotion as Associate Professor. The decision was made despite the opposition from Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal. A recent meeting of the Syndicate, convened to discuss a show-cause notice issued by the Chancellor on the issue, also maintained that there was no need to review its decision. The CPI(M)-backed members reportedly rejected the Chancellor's observations regarding the decision. The particular issue has been a bone of contention that has escalated tensions between the Vice-Chancellor and the Left-backed Syndicate members for several months.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
UDF Senators seek withdrawal of Kannur University's notification on private registration courses
The UDF Senators' Forum of Kannur University has written to the Chancellor, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, demanding the immediate annulment of the university's recent notification, dated May 22, inviting applications for private registration courses. The forum has alleged that the move violates University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and State law. In a letter sent on Saturday (May 24), Forum convener Shino P. Jose described the university's continued offering of private registration courses as a serious offence against the student body. He warned that degrees issued under this unrecognised mode are likely to be invalid, jeopardising the future of enrolled students. According to Mr. Jose, Kannur University had previously discontinued its distance education programmes after failing to meet the NAAC grade criteria mandated by the UGC. Despite this, the university has reportedly been running private registration programmes for the past five years — a mode of instruction not recognised by the UGC. The UGC's 2020 regulations specify only three approved course delivery methods: regular, open and distance learning, and online. 'Any educational mode not listed under these is not recognised,' the Forum stressed, citing the UGC's submission to the Kerala High Court that private registration is not an approved method.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gov Law College Ernakulam celebrates 150 years of legacy
Kochi: The Govt Law College, Ernakulam, marked the conclusion of its year-long 150th anniversary celebrations with a valedictory ceremony on Friday. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Kerala governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar. Addressing the gathering, the governor praised the college for its enduring contribution to the legal and civic life of Kerala and the nation. "The students from the Govt Law College immensely contributed to the growth of the state and the country, with many alumni occupying key positions in the judicial service," he said. In his address, Chief Justice Jamdar highlighted the growing significance of advocates in an increasingly complex society. "As laws become more detailed and comprehensive, it becomes harder for people to understand and comply. This is where the role of advocates becomes crucial," he noted, emphasizing the need for legal professionals to help bridge this gap. The event also featured a felicitation ceremony honouring several sitting judges of the high court who are alumni of the institution. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden also addressed the gathering. College principal Bindu M Nambiar in her presidential address acknowledged ongoing infrastructural challenges despite the institution's proud legacy. She, however, expressed optimism, announcing that the college secured corporate social responsibility funds for constructing a new main block on the historic site of the old legislative hall of the erstwhile Cochin state. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Governor urged to intervene in KTU BoG controversy
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to direct APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) Vice-Chancellor in-charge K. Sivaprasad to cancel the Board of Governors (BoG) meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday. In a formal communication, the organisation flagged various 'illegalities' in convening the special BoG meeting. It highlighted the recent judgement of the Kerala High Court, which deemed the notification issued by the Chancellor appointing Prof. Sivaprasad as the Vice-Chancellor 'not sustainable in law.' The confederation also cited Section 26(1) of the University Act, which mandates that the meeting of the BoG should be convened on the dates fixed by the Vice-Chancellor 'in the manner decided by the BoG.' In addition, Section 26(3) of the Act states that the Vice-Chancellor 'may upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one half of the total number of members of the BoG, convene a special meeting'. The organisation stated that the proposed meeting is illegal since it is being convened without fulfilling such statutory requirements. Meanwhile, Students Federation of India (SFI) activists attempted to barge into the Vice-Chancellor's office, prompting the police to forcibly remove the protesters. Demanding Prof. Sivaprasad's resignation on account of the HC order, the activists burnt an effigy in front of the university office.
