Dr Ciza Thomas | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has started steps to replace Dr Ciza Thomas as vice-chancellor in-charge of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) after the Kerala High Court ruling. A three-member panel comprising academicians was submitted to the governor, who is also the chancellor of the university.
The three members recommended by the government are technical education director Dr TP Byjubai, technological university former dean Vrinda V Nair and KTU syndicate member Dr Satheesh Kumar.
The high court on Monday ruled that the government has the right to recommend the VC in-charge of KTU. The court noted that Ciza could be replaced, but the government must follow the UGC guidelines for VC appointment.
According to the provision in the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act, if the vacancy of VC arises, the Chancellor “may appoint the Vice-Chancellor of any other University or the Pro-Vice Chancellor of this University or the Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, recommended by the Government, to be the Vice-Chancellor for a period of not exceeding six months in the aggregate.”
When the name of the secretary of higher education was proposed, the governor rejected it on the ground that she did not have the academic qualification as prescribed by the UGC. In the case of Pro-VC, legal issues were pointed out as Pro-VC’s term expires along with the VC.
It is unclear what the governor will do in response to the latest move of the government.
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