Kerala Governor yet to name his representative for selecting new VC for Malayalam varsity

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan is unlikely to comply with the government's move to form a five-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint a new vice chancellor at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University. As of now, the governor is yet to name his representative to the search committee. 

A few days ago, the government informed Raj Bhavan of its decision to constitute the search committee and requested the Governor, who is also the university chancellor, to name his representative to the committee. However, this was against the convention followed by state universities in selecting and appointing new VCs. As a result, Khan refused to respond to the letter sent by the higher education department. 

Interestingly, the government's move to designate a five-member selection panel is in accordance with the amendments brought through University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, passed by the Kerala Assembly. However, the bill is yet to receive Khan's assent since it widely undermines the power held by the Governor as chancellor of state varsities.  

As a result, the law mandates only forming a three-member committee. Further, Khan could only name his representative to the government's search-cum-selection committee if he gives assent to the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which orders forming a committee comprising five members.  

The committee will include a member nominated by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Chancellor, the vice-chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), the Syndicate of the university, and the government. However, Kerala Governor has disapproved government's move to meddle in university affairs and undermine his powers as chancellor.