Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Friday held the state’s ruling Left government responsible for the prolonged vacancies in Vice Chancellor (VC) posts across the majority of Kerala’s universities.

The Governor explained that, traditionally, the Chancellor of universities— a role he holds— appoints the selection committees for choosing VCs. However, he noted that every time he set up a selection committee, the state government contested his actions in the Kerala High Court, leading to judicial stays on the selection processes.

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"So, what can I do?" he asked.

Concerns over educational standards

Khan cautioned that if the state government continues to "play games with universities," it risks undermining educational standards, potentially harming the prospects of future generations.

In response to reporters highlighting his refusal to approve several bills passed by the state assembly concerning university appointments, Khan defended his stance, saying his actions were in alignment with the Constitution.

Upholding the constitution

He explained that when he found the government had overstepped its jurisdiction, he exercised his constitutional authority to refer the bills to the President.

"The government will not be run according to the whims of individuals or even elected representatives. It will be run according to the provisions of the Constitution," Khan asserted.

He added that, except for one university where he reappointed a VC, all other universities in Kerala currently lack regular VCs.

Comments on Kodakara black money case

When asked about the Kodakara black money case, Khan stated that the Enforcement Directorate was handling the investigation. 

"Allow the agencies to do their work without interference. Who am I to sit in judgment over their investigation or anyone else's? The law will take its own course," he said.

PTI