Major foul play alleged in appointments at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Thiruvananthapuram:Allegations have surfaced regarding the board of management's decision to grant relaxations in qualifications for specific 'subjects' during the appointment process for purportedly 'created' vacant positions at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode. These relaxations are believed to have been implemented to favour certain preferred candidates.

For instance, it is claimed that the requirement of NET in Dairy Business Management was deemed 'unnecessary,' allegedly to facilitate the appointment of the son of a top official. Interestingly this decision was taken by the university at a time when NET (National Eligibility Test) qualification is considered ‘vital’ for even college appointments.

The reason that NET exam was not being conducted in the particular subject was put forward as the logic behind their decision by the university officials. However, a section of people has now demanded that candidates who clear NET exam conducted either by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) or the UGC shall only be considered for selection in the particular subject.

It should be noted that while the state is reeling under a severe financial crisis, the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode has purposefully created unnecessary vacancies to facilitate the appointment of 156 faculty members. The board of management meeting at the university on January 9 has decided to appoint new faculties.   

The board has decided to appoint new faculty members to 'non-existing' positions by creating seven new departments not listed in the university's statutes. The vacancies are created by offering 'imaginary' promotions to existing employees. According to the reports, the dairy department would get 71 additional faculty members, while the veterinary department would get 85.    

Interestingly, the move comes at a time when the university is struggling to meet its daily expenses and handle salary/pension disbursements.