Teachers' petition seeks to sack Calicut University VC Dr K Mohammed Basheer

Thiruvananthapuram: The Association of Calicut University Teachers (ACT) has petitioned Governor P. Sathasivam in his capacity as chancellor to remove Mr Mohammed Basheer, Vice-Chancellor of Calicut University, as he does not have the requisite qualifications to become vice-chancellor as per UGC regulations 2010. Clause 7.3 of the regulation said that the vice-chancellor should be a distinguished academic with a minimum of ten years of experience as professor in a university system or ten years of experience in an equivalent position in a reputed research and or academic administrative organisation.

Dr. Hari Kumaran Thampi, secretary, said in the petition that Mr Basheer had served as principal of Sullamus-allam Science College, Areakode, from 2005 to 2013, and then as registrar of the Kerala University from July 1, 2013 to November 17, 2015. This is the only ‘qualifying’ experience that Dr. Mohamed Basher has, and he has never served as a professor within the university system. The petition was submitted in the background of the recent judgment of the High Court cancelling the appointment of Dr. Babu Sebastian as vice-chancellor of MG University.

The petition said the teachers of Calicut University had petitioned the chancellor both before and after the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Basheer pointing out the gross violations of the UGC regulations in his appointment on August 18, 2015. The letter also pointed out that they had petitioned the governor on September 20 and November 17 that year against his appointment. All these petitions were rejected by the chancellor. However, with the judgment of the High Court making clear that no dilution of UGC regulations is permissible, the petition requested the chancellor to annul the appointment. “In case you fail to correct the illegality, we will be forced to approach the court,” the petition said.