Congress weighs two names for Calicut University pro vice-chancellor

However, the Congress leadership is also considering controller of examinations Dr V.V. George Kutty’s name for the post. Accor-ding to the consensus, the Muslim League nominates the VC and the Congress leadership has to take a call on the PVC nominee at Calicut university.

League nominee Dr K. Mohammed Basheer took charge as the VC of the state’s largest university last week.

However, the inclusion of Prof Raveendra Nath’s name among the probables list has not gone down well with the League leadership as well as in their employees’ wing.

Mr Raveendra Nath was a staunch ally of former VC Dr M. Abdul Salam and strongly supported Dr Salam’s decision to withhold the probation declaration of the present registrar Dr T.K. Abdul Majeed and the Controller of Examinations.

His name was also included in the vigilance case as the second accused in the controversial decision which allowed 27 B.Tech students of Nehru Engineering College, Pambadi to take re-exam, in which his PA’s daughter is also involved.

“Though it is not required for the PVC’s post, Prof Raveendra Nath does not have higher qualifications like PhD,” said an employee union leader.

A former principal of Thrissur Sree Krishna College, Prof Raveendra Nath is only a M.Com degree holder, but has over 30 years of teaching experience.

“Prof Raveendra Nath’s and Dr V.V George Kutty’s names are in our active consideration for the post,” confirmed Syndicate member and Congress leader Adv P.M Niyas.

However, if the Governor decides to go for better qualification and an untainted image,

a second time looks doubtful for Raveendra Nath.