Kochi: Political interference in the university appointments has become unbearable, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has lamented.
Appointments of the influential are at its peak and the government has been apprised about it, but there is no end to it, Khan told reporters.
The Governor, who has already sent a letter to the Chief Minister in this regard, said he failed in all his efforts to cooperate with the government.
Khan said he was willing to quit to allow the Chief Minister to take over as Kerala governor. Khan said appointments in Sree Sankara University, Kalady, became controversial as the government suggested the name of only one person.
Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said that the matter is of extreme concern. The governor writing such a letter is unprecedented.
Universities are being converted into party cells. Party secretary is the ideal choice to become Vice Chancellor, he said.
Public has the right to know and the chief minister is obliged to reply to the Governor’s remarks. Such things have led to degradation of academic values.
The Chief Minister should clarify on the Governor’s remarks that he was pressured to reappoint Kannur Vice Chancellor by dissolving the search committee which is assigned to select the Vice Chancellor, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.
Former KPCC president V M Sudheeran has expressed concern over the issue.
