Won’t allow erosion of autonomy of state universities, says Kerala Guv
India Today
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said on Saturday that the state government cannot have the power to appoint vice-chancellors of universities as it would encourage ‘executive interference.’
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Saturday said the state government cannot be given the power to appoint vice chancellors of universities as it would amount to ‘executive interference.’ The Governor’s statement comes a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lashed out at Khan over his remarks on alleged nepotism in appointments in the state varsities, calling it “absurd.”
Addressing the press here in the morning, Khan said, “Underqualified and unqualified people, just because they are related to the personal staff of the Chief Minister, cannot be allowed to be appointed.”
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A visibly fuming Governor said these institutions belong to the people of Kerala and not to those who are dressed in “little brief authority” If somebody is qualified, they are most welcome and as far as qualified persons are concerned, there cannot be any objection to them, Khan said.
“The government cannot be given the power to appoint the vice chancellorsI am saying it clearlythis will amount to executive interference.” Khan said the CM had earlier written a letter to him in which he had assured that there would be no interference.
“And now they are proposing that they will appoint the Vice Chancellor. That would mean erosion of autonomy of the educational institutions. As long as I am here, I will not allow the erosion of autonomy of the universities,” he said.
Asked about the Lok Ayukta (Amendment Bill), passed by the state Assembly recently, Khan said there is no question of any time limit and “everything would be considered on merit”.
