Kerala University syndicate cancels contract appointment of ex-staffers

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala University syndicate on Tuesday cancelled the contract appointment of retired employees, including that of P.N. Shaji, private secretary to Vice-Chancellor P.K. Radhakrishnan. Mr Shaji, who worked as private secretary in the joint registrar cadre, retired on October 31, and was reappointed to the same post on a six-month contract immediately after his retirement.

The syndicate also entrusted a sub-committee to inquire into all contract appointments made in the university. The vice-chancellor himself is to retire on February 22. Earlier, the syndicate members belon-ging to both the LDF and UDF were at odds with the vice-chancellor over some matters, including the appointment of teachers in various departments of the university.

When the contract appointment came up for discussion at the syndicate meeting on Tuesday, there was a heated exchange of words between the members and the vice-chancellor. However, the VC in a press release later denied any wordy duel at the meeting. “When the syndicate wanted the removal of my private secretary who was on contract, I only demanded that others on contract after retirement should also be removed,” he said.

“The syndicate has laid down clear terms and conditions for appointment of retired staff on contract basis. These have been followed in this appointment too,” he said. These appointments were given to ensure continuing service of officials and academics with years of experience. It was essential for maintaining consistency in functioning of the university, he added.