Row over appointment of LDF convener Vijayaraghavan's wife as vice principal in Kerala Varma College

Thrissur: Appointment of Dr R Bindu, former Mayor of Thrissur corporation and wife of LDF Convener A Vijayaraghavan, as the vice principal of Kerala Varma College here has sparked a controversy. The order appointing R Bindu, who is associate professor of English at Kerala Varma College, as the vice principal was issued on October 30.

The vice principal post was specially formed in the college under Cochin Devaswom Board controlled by the CPM and the responsibilities of principal was handed over to Bindu. Vice principal post exists in some other colleges like Panampilly Memorial Government College in Chalakudy and VK Krishna Menon Government College in Kannur.

According to the order, the vice principal has to fulfill the responsibilities decided by the administrative committee. The coordination of academics, development activities with the help of KIIFB, Development Forum and PTA, college accreditation by NIRF and NAAC and other duties also are given to the vice principal.

Allegations arose that the principal's duty was limited to mere conduct of exams and management of college, by giving most of the duties to vice principal. Also it was alleged that the post was created illegally. R Bindu will take charge as vice principal on Thursday.

Meanwhile, R Bindu told mathrubhumi.com that there was no violation of rules in her appointment as vice principal. The appointment was based on the 2018 regulations of the UGC. It was approved by the University of Calicut in February 2020. Many colleges already have vice principal post. The Directorate of Collegiate Education had ordered to create such a post in government colleges also, she added.

"The controversies erupted only because I'm wife of A Vijayaraghavan. This post gives me no financial benefit. I am the second most senior staff after the principal. Among the four associate professors, only I have doctorate. Then how is it a violation of rules. The responsibilities were divided to make things work better and smoother," Bindu said.

However, the college principal refused to comment on the matter.