Thiruvananthapuram: On Thursday, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan reappointed Mohanan Kunnummal as Vice Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), leading to strong criticism from the ruling LDF, which called the decision "undemocratic" and unprecedented.

Kunnummal, whose term was set to end on October 25, has been reappointed for five years or until he turns 70, whichever comes first. The Governor, acting as Chancellor, also named him interim Vice Chancellor of the University of Kerala until a permanent appointment is made. Both roles will start on October 26.

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The LDF, along with state Health Minister Veena George and various teachers' organisations, criticised the Governor's decision. T P Ramakrishnan, LDF convener, pointed out that the rules allow only a six-month extension for a current Vice Chancellor until a new one is appointed. "However, the Chancellor's order has extended the term for five years, violating this provision," he stated. He emphasised that such appointments in state-funded universities should involve consultation with the government.

Minister Veena George stated that the Governor's reappointment was made without consulting the elected government and described it as a unilateral action. "It is unacceptable for unilateral decisions to be made by those who are supposed to uphold constitutional and democratic values. Such actions are entirely regrettable," George said.

The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) issued a statement claiming that the Chancellor's decisions were causing serious issues in Kerala's universities. FUTA's president, Professor Chakrapani, and general secretary, S Naseeb, announced that teachers across all universities in Kerala would observe a "black day" on October 25 in protest. They also criticised the Governor for previously opposing reappointments of Vice Chancellors, accusing him of cancelling the search committee for a new VC at KUHS and reappointing someone of his choice instead.

Agency