Thiruvananthapuram: With the news about the ‘mass’ recruitment in the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode becoming a point of discussion, Animal Welfare department minister J Chinchu Rani has sought an explanation from the Vice Chancellor.

Recently, Mathrubhumi had published the information regarding the board of management's decision to grant relaxations in qualifications for specific 'subjects' during the appointment process for purportedly 'created' vacant positions and the ‘illegal’ appointment of 156 assistant professors in the university. A meeting held on January 9 approved the appointment of 71 assistant professors in the dairy technology department and 85 in the veterinary department.

Seven new departments were created under dairy technology and four dairy sciences colleges are functioning under the university. The department of animal welfare was opposed to the idea of the creation of new departments from the start and suggested merging them into one. But this proposal, that could reduce the financial burden, was rejected by the university.

The approval for these posts was obtained on the grounds that it was mandatory for colleges to obtain recognition from ICAR. As per the order issued on May 27, 2023 in the Department of Animal Husbandry, 49 assistant professors, 10 associate professors and 10 professors have been approved for the newly instituted dairy colleges.

However, based on this order, the board of management has decided to appoint 71 assistant professors, including three physical education teachers. It is not clear on what basis this was done. The hiring processes for associate professors and professors are different. Apart from this, 85 assistant professors are going to be appointed in the veterinary department. 

Interestingly, the move comes at a time when the university is struggling to meet its daily expenses and handle salary/pension disbursements.