Kozhikode: At a time when other state universities are pressurising government to allow more posts for smooth functioning, Malayalam University vice-chancellor K. Jayakumar came up with a ridiculous comment that vacant posts of Pro Vice Chancellor and finance officer would help the state government save money.
He claimed that the posts are yet to be sanctioned by the government and added that the University would have no problem if the posts are not filled. At present, the VC himself is holding the post of the finance officer.
Teachers are angry with him for not conducting transparent selection to associate professors posts and for diluting the rules of UGC in appointing head of departments and in conducting election to the General Council.
The election was stayed by the High Court after teachers under Malay-alam Sarvakalasala Adh-yapaka Sanghadana (MAS) alleged flouting of norms. To a question on that, he asked, “What is the problem with the stay order?” He was silent on questions on recent issues related to appointment of associate professors.
He added that the state government must first find land for the varsity for a permanent campus. Four-and-a-half years after the university was established, the acquisition of land for the varsity is not yet done, he said.
Reacting to the VC’s comments, MAS secretary Dr Satheesh P. said that the VC’s claims were baseless.
“A VC’s job is not to run the varsity like a corporate. If non-appointment of PVC and FO benefit the government financially, no university in India will have such posts,” he said.
“As far as associate professors’ appointment is concerned, the VC is openly flouting the rules. There is clear ruling by the HC that eight years teaching experience after getting PhD degree is must for associate professor post which is not being followed,” he added.
