Vice-chancellor pick not fit: Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) has informed the Governor P. Sathasivam that the person whom the government has shortlisted for the post of vice-chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) was not qualified for the post. P.P. Balakrishnan who was recommended by the government to post had only seven years of experience as vice-chancellor.

As per the norms of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and the UGC, a person should have a minimum of 10 years of experience as professor to be appointed as vice chancellor. The post of vice chancellor became cant after the term of B. Ashok had ended.

Governor sought KAU opinion

Governor P. Sathasivam had sought the opinion of the Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) following the complaint that Mr P.P. Balakrishnan did not have the adequate qualification to be appointed as vice-chancellor.

Mr Balakrishnan was a faculty with the KAU before the KVASU was formed in 2010 by taking out the veterinary science courses from the agriculture university. KAU pointed out that though Mr Balakrishnan was promoted earlier, the decision was cancelled by the court.

Mr Balakrishnan who is the president of Kerala State Veterinary Council, had served as the special officer, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookkod and dean of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookod