Kerala Agricultural University reforms: Senate dissolution and staff reduction proposed

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Agricultural University Reforms Committee, chaired by former Tamil Nadu Anna University Vice Chancellor Dr. E Balaguruswami, has recommended major administrative and structural changes to improve efficiency and reduce political interference. The report was handed over to the minister on Wednesday.

The key proposals include dissolving the existing Senate and replacing it with a 15-member Board of Management comprising experts, in line with the Indian Council for Agricultural and Research (ICAR) model act. This change would require an amendment to the Agricultural University Act, 1971. The committee emphasizes filling vacant posts for Deans, Directors, Assistant Professors, and Associate Professors. Registrars and Comptrollers should hold academic ranks equivalent to Professors.

The committee recommends banning political activities across all university campuses to ensure a focused academic environment. The report also highlights the need to reduce the number of non-teaching staff. Currently, the university employs 1,803 non-teaching staff and over 2,000 farm workers. The committee has suggested retaining only one-third of the non-teaching staff, declaring the remaining positions as supernumerary, and phasing them out upon retirement.

In terms of research, the committee has proposed merging five research areas into three. It also recommends starting a Horticultural College at the Ambalavayal Regional Research Center from the next academic year and establishing a new department for artificial intelligence by recruiting experts from India and abroad.

The Kerala Agricultural University Reforms Committee has proposed significant changes to streamline the university's administration and improve its efficiency. The report outlines key recommendations across governance, staffing, research, and academic reforms.

1. Governance Reforms: The committee recommends dissolving the Senate and replacing it with a 15-member Board of Management comprising experts, following the ICAR model act. The Agricultural University Act, 1971, should be amended to facilitate these changes.

2. Staffing Recommendations: Candidates with agricultural diplomas should be appointed for the posts of Farm Assistant and Labor. Roles such as drivers, typists, office attendants, and duplicate operators should no longer be filled. Existing positions should be phased out. 

3. Research and Development: Five research areas should be consolidated into three: Kumarakom (South), Pattambi (Central), Peelikode (North). A Horticultural College should be established at the Ambalavyal Regional Research Center starting next academic year.

4. Technological Advancements: A new AI department should be introduced, recruiting experts from both within India and abroad to drive innovation in agricultural education and research.5. Academic Reforms: Direct public entrance examinations should be conducted, and graduate admissions should be based on these results.