21-05-2025
BJP-backed Syndicate members accuse govt. of encroaching into university autonomy
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed Syndicate members of Kerala and Calicut Universities have criticised the alleged efforts made by the State government to intervene in the administration of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and politically motivated.
In a joint statement, Syndicate members A.K. Anuraj (Calicut University), Vinod Kumar T.G. Nair and P.S. Gopakumar (Kerala University) alleged that the Higher Education department initiated an investigation into the KTU without informing the Vice-Chancellor. They termed this a blatant violation of protocol and a calculated attempt to destabilise the higher education system in Kerala. The move, they added, was part of a broader strategy by the ruling Left Democratic Front government to gain control over the university administration.
Against Bills
They also raised concerns over the University Laws (Amendment) Bills, which were recently passed by the State Assembly, alleging attempts to turn universities into political battlegrounds. The Bills, if enacted, would undermine the autonomy of universities, they cautioned.
The BJP-aligned Syndicate and Senate members of the universities will organise a protest in front of the Secretariat on Friday against the proposed legislations.
