Kerala's higher education talks with Governor inconclusive, says Minister R Bindu
Kozhikode: Kerala's Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has said that the ongoing talks with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on key issues in the state’s higher education sector remain incomplete. The meeting, which also included Law Minister P. Rajeeve, was paused following the death of respected Malayalam literary critic and former MLA M. K. Sanu.
The discussions with the Governor, held at Raj Bhavan on Sunday, August 3, lasted for around 90 minutes before being halted. Minister Bindu confirmed that the talks will resume soon. The talks were paused following the passing of Sanu Mash, aged 98, in Kochi on August 2. He was a towering figure in Kerala’s cultural and academic life for nearly eight decades, known for his work as a professor, literary critic, writer, and translator.
Focus on Vice-Chancellor appointments
The meeting was part of the Kerala government’s renewed efforts to resolve tensions with the Governor, especially around the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state-run universities. Reports suggest that the initiative was taken following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
No agreement was finalised during the initial meeting, but both parties are expected to return to the discussion table soon.
In March this year, the Kerala Assembly passed the Private Universities Bill, aiming to allow private institutions to operate in the state for the first time. The legislation had earlier been reviewed by a Subject Committee.
Despite facing strong criticism from the opposition, the Bill was cleared by a voice vote under Speaker A. N. Shamseer. Minister R. Bindu defended the Bill, saying that it is a progressive step for Kerala's education sector. She also stated that strict regulations would be in place to maintain academic standards in private universities.
Opposition parties raised several concerns – mainly over tuition fees and admission policies. While they did not entirely oppose the Bill, they called for greater transparency and safeguards.
With ANI inputs