Latest news with #UniversityLaws(Amendment)Bill
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Varsity employees' delegation meets Kerala Governor, voices concern over University (Amendment) Bill
A joint delegation representing the Cochin University Employees Union, Federation of University Employees Organisations, and the Cochin University of Science and Technology Teachers Organisation met Governor Rajendra Arlekar to express concern over the University Laws (Amendment) Bill. The delegation, which met the Governor at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the University Act that sought to expand the powers of the Pro-Chancellor (Minister for Higher Education) while simultaneously curtailing the authority of the Chancellor, according to a release. If enacted, it would result in excessive executive interference in university governance, in direct contravention of the well-established principles of higher education law and constitutional propriety, it said. The representatives submitted a memorandum to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of State universities, stating that such changes would adversely impact the autonomy and academic independence of universities. The proposed amendments empower the Pro-Chancellor to discharge the functions of the Chancellor, either in the Chancellor's absence or by way of delegation through executive order. This delegation of quasi-judicial and statutory powers to an executive functionary, who is politically affiliated, violates the principle of neutrality and separation of powers essential to the independent functioning of academic institutions, it said.
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.
