Meeting with Governor likely to be held soon to discuss issues over higher education, says Govi Chezhiaan

Meeting with Governor R.N. Ravi to discuss higher education issues at Tiruvarur Central University, Minister Govi Chezhiaan confirms.

A meeting with Governor R.N. Ravi to discuss issues related to higher education is likely to be held shortly at the Tiruvarur Central University, Minister Govi Chezhiaan said on Wednesday.

Mr. Chezhiaan, who handles the Higher Education portfolio, told The Hindu that there had to be a meaningful conversation between the State government and the Governor to arrive at constructive solutions to various issues.

On the delay in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to State-run universities, he said that while the primary issue was with the Governor, the State government could not take further action owing to lack of coordination from the Union government.

The teaching staff and pensioners of Madurai Kamaraj University had been repeatedly protesting over salary issues. According to the university statute, the State government had no obligation to pay them. However, it still decided to bear the expense and pay them, the Minister said, adding: “When we consider all colleges and universities to be equal, the Union government’s representative in the State should also address the issue...”

On ‘audit objections’ at the State universities (which hinders the processing of grants), he said it was a common issue that universities faced. The State government need not interfere unless a big difference (in amount) cropped up during audits, he added.

He further said that since many institutions did not have public relations officers, launching of help desks at the institutes would help students submit their grievances against the department.

Mr. Chezhiaan said he was keen on introducing new courses and opening polytechnic colleges, as admission to such colleges had reduced from 1.5 lakh to 45,000. “The curriculum will be modified to match the needs of students and the industry,” he added.