The selection process for Principals of government arts and sciences colleges in Kerala has hit another roadblock with the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) questioning the validity of selections made solely on the basis of research scores, while disregarding seniority.
A Division Bench comprising judicial member P.V. Asha and administrative member N. Vasudevan indicated the possibility of judicial intervention, as it sought the government’s response in the matter.
The observations were made by the tribunal on September 29, while considering a petition submitted by Varghese Jacob, Principal of Government College, Kottayam, who alleged that the selections violated the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018, as well as previous orders of the KAT.
Research score
While the norms mandated the consideration of only peer-reviewed publications that figure on the UGC-CARE list, the selection committee had purportedly adopted the research score as the sole criterion. The panel also considered articles published in unrecognised journals, including college magazines, for the purpose, the petitioner submitted. He also alleged that the committee forwarded a “secret list” of 51 candidates to the government for the approval of the Departmental Promotion Committee.
Ineligible candidates
As a result, eligible seniors, including the applicant, were excluded, while ineligible candidates were included, he claimed. The UGC norms for appointment as college Principals mandate various eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals, and a minimum research score of 110.
The petitioner sought the tribunal’s intervention in quashing the process and issuing orders to prepare a fresh list by strictly adhering to UGC norms. The tribunal has posted the case for further consideration on October 9.
Published – October 06, 2025 04:39 pm IST
