Latest news with #RajendraVishwanathArlekar
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
University staff organisation against exclusion of Vedan's songs from CU syllabus
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of Calicut University (CU), to direct P. Raveendran, Vice-Chancellor (V-C), not to exclude the songs of rapper Hirandas Murali (Vedan) and singer Gowry Lekshmi from the syllabus of the B.A. (Malayalam) course. In a letter to the Chancellor, Hari Lal, general secretary of the organisation, alleged that the V-C is reportedly planning to remove the songs earlier included in the syllabus based on a report by M.M. Basheer, literary critic. Mr. Lal claimed that Mr. Basheer was asked to examine the songs after some people with a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh background filed complaints against them. 'This is a ploy to saffronise the secular mindset of the State. The V-C's move is based on complaints lodged by people illegally nominated by the Chancellor,' Mr. Lal alleged. He pointed out that the reported plan to bypass the powers of the Board of Studies, faculty members, and the academic council in designing the syllabus and curricula of courses in universities by an expert committee constituted by the V-C could lead to serious repercussions. Mr. Lal said that the functioning of these bodies was based on an Act and statutes framed and approved by the State legislature. Disturbing this system would affect the democratic fabric of the academic system, he said. 'We shall not axe the creativity of our society by edging out universally accepted rap music from the aspect of comparative studies. We must try to incorporate musical icons of our land to enrich our higher education,' he said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala Governor Arlekar expresses condolences on V.S. Achuthanandan's passing
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has condoled the passing of former Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan. In a message here, Mr. Arlekar said that Mr. Achuthanandan was a towering figure in Indian politics and a stalwart of the Communist movement and that his demise marks the end of an era in India's Left political history. A founding leader of the CPI(M) after the 1964 split, he was instrumental in shaping the party's direction both in Kerala and at the national-level. As the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala, he earned acclaim for his firm actions against land encroachments, promotion of public education, anti-corruption measures, and environmental protection. He also served as Leader of the Opposition and chaired the Administrative Reforms Commission, Mr. Arlekar remembered. From humble beginnings, he rose to top through hard work, integrity, simplicity, and a lifelong commitment to the marginalised. His contributions to public life and the Left movement will always be remembered with deep respect, he said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- 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.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Kerala CM meets Governor at Raj Bhavan
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 20 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday met with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan here. The visit comes amidst tensions between the Governor and the ruling Left government on various issues, including the display of a saffron-flag carrying Bharat Mata portrait at the Raj Bhavan during events and the functioning of universities in the state. 'Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan called on Hon'ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan, Kerala, today, upon his return from the foreign tour," the Raj Bhavan said in a Facebook post. Vijayan had travelled to the US on July 5 for follow-up medical check-ups as part of his ongoing treatment and had returned on July 15. PTI HMP HMP ADB Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- 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.
