Appointment of interim Vice-Chancellor, nomination of Senate members at MG University in Kerala ignite row

The appointment of an interim Vice-Chancellor at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and the nomination of members to its Senate have triggered a political controversy, with allegations that several nominees have close links with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of universities in the State, last week appointed Mavoothu Duraipandi as interim Vice-Chancellor and nominated 30 members to the Senate.

Of the 30 nominees, 15 are drawn from various sectors, while the rest are heads of university departments, and deans. Allegations have since surfaced that all general-category nominees, along with some departmental representatives, are affiliated to the Sangh Parivar.

Among the general-category members are BJP national executive member J. Prameela Devi and leaders associated with various feeder organisations, including the Bharatheeya Abhibhashaka Parishad, higher education teachers’ sangh, school teachers’ sangh and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

While the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has raised objections, sections within the United Democratic Front (UDF) have also expressed disquiet, though they have refrained from publicly criticising the decision to avoid a confrontation with the Governor.

‘Violation of rules’

“The greatness and excellence of universities in Kerala, which serve as beacons of the State’s knowledge advancement, lie in their autonomy. The Senate, Academic Council and Syndicate are democratic forums that safeguard this sanctity. However, university authorities in Kerala are now competing in disregarding this framework, refusing even to convene these bodies and are operating in violation of established rules,” said S. Naseeb, general secretary of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, in a statement.

Official sources said that although an informal list of eligible candidates from MG University for the Vice-Chancellor’s post was sent to the Chief Minister’s Office, it was decided not to forward it to the Governor. The decision was reportedly taken to avoid a confrontation over the appointment of an interim Vice-Chancellor, as it was felt that such a dispute could affect the selection of a permanent Vice-Chancellor later.

There are also concerns that the nomination of BJP-affiliated members to the Senate could influence the election of a representative to the three-member panel responsible for selecting the permanent Vice-Chancellor. It has also been pointed out that delays in constituting a new Syndicate could impact the balance of power in the Senate, as Syndicate members serve as ex-officio members of the body.