Governor P Sathasivam accepts Kerala Technological University VC's resignation

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P. Sathasivam on Thursday accepted the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Kuncheria P. Isaac of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Dr Kuncheriya had submitted his resignation to the governor who is also the chancellor of the university on November 2. The governor had asked him to rethink about it. On Wednesday, Dr Kuncheriya again met the governor and pressed for accepting the resignation.

Mr Sathasivam requested Dr Kuncheriya to continue in office till December 31. The term of the vice-chancellor was to end on August 31, 2018. Dr Kuncheriya was one among the few vice-chancellors who had the qualification fixed by the UGC for the post. The resignation comes in the wake of numerous dilutions to the 'year-out' policy of the varsity against which there were strong student agitations in the past few months.

The immediate reason for the resignation was the decision of the governor to curb the powers of the vice-chancellor by bringing in an amendment to the university Act. As per the amendment, students, teachers and non-teaching staff will get representation in the senate. The present executive committee will be replaced by the syndicate. There were allegations that the powers of the university were concentred in the vice- chancellor and that he was taking unilateral decisions.