Tussle with Kerala govt: Guv Arlekar outlines conditions for cooperation, asserts position on controversies

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has said he is willing to cooperate with the state government on appointing permanent Vice-Chancellors, provided the court settles the legal case concerning the formation of the search committee. The Governor conveyed this position during a meeting with Ministers P Rajeev and R Bindu.

He asserted that the temporary VC appointments made in APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Digital University Kerala (DUK) would not be reconsidered. If there are objections, parties are free to approach the Supreme Court, he said. The Governor emphasised that discussions alone are not enough, and concrete actions are required.

Consensus possible if legal barriers are removed

The ministers met the Governor as directed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Governor expressed that political disputes in university matters should be avoided and that the government and Raj Bhavan could move forward in consensus. He added that permanent VCs should be appointed everywhere and that suitable individuals must be selected.

Pointing to the multiple cases involving search committees, the Governor said permanent appointments could be considered if stays are lifted and legal barriers are cleared. He also suggested that further discussions could be held with the ministers after that. The ministers responded that they would convey their stand after internal consultations.

“Weren’t the protesters your own party students?”

During the discussion, Governor Arlekar expressed displeasure over the protests by the ruling CPM's student organisation, SFI. Referring to the agitation at the Kerala University, he asked whether the students involved were not from the ministers’ own party. He also insisted that the action of the VC who suspended the Registrar in Kerala should be accepted. The Governor informed the ministers that he had already discussed the matter with the concerned VC.

Meanwhile, Minister Rajeev confirmed that talks with the Governor regarding the appointment of VCs would continue. He noted that the Supreme Court has clearly stated that decisions should be taken through discussions. All talks so far have been positive, the minister added.