Kannur University row: Chancellor bypasses Syndicate to appoint 59 Board of Studies members

Kannur: A controversy has erupted at Kannur University after Chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar directly appointed 59 members to the University's Boards of Studies, bypassing the recommendations submitted by the Syndicate.

Traditionally, members recommended by the Syndicate are appointed to the Boards of Studies. However, according to reports, the Chancellor issued the appointments after replacing several names from the list forwarded by the Syndicate, raising questions over a departure from the established practice.

The move has triggered allegations that the appointments were made unilaterally and without following the University's customary procedure. Critics have also alleged that the decision is politically motivated and forms part of a broader attempt to influence higher education governance.

Syndicate member L. Sukanya criticised the Chancellor's action, claiming it reflects the "saffronisation" taking place in universities across the country. She alleged that the appointments are part of an ongoing effort to induct individuals aligned with Sangh Parivar ideologies into university governing bodies and academic positions.