Teachers’ bodies flay Dean appointments

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations and the Kerala University Teachers’ Association on Wednesday condemned the appointment of Deans in Kerala University as politically motivated and contrary to university norms.

The teachers’ bodies alleged that the Chancellor’s nominations for the Dean positions were made in violation of established procedures and that qualified senior Professors in the university were deliberately overlooked. The contentious appointments were made to the faculties of Commerce and Management.

In separate statements, the organisations also stated that the Vice-Chancellor had submitted a biased panel to the Chancellor to recommend individuals with political backing while disregarding academic merit. Such actions, they cautioned, would undermine the institution’s academic excellence and credibility.

According to them, the decision to appoint “outsiders” was influenced by political favouritism.