Power struggle escalates at Kerala University: V-C seeks control over file movement

Worsening the administrative crisis at Kerala University, Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal has moved to block files signed by Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar.

The Vice-Chancellor (V-C), who has maintained that such files will have no legal validity, has reportedly issued a directive to senior university officials, including Joint Registrar, not to process or forward any documents signed by the Registrar.

The new directive comes in the wake of Dr. Anil Kumar approving over 150 files that did not require the Vice-Chancellor’s signature. This has prompted the Vice-Chancellor to issue strict instructions preventing further file movement through the Registrar. He also warned that any violation of his directive will be treated seriously.

In a further twist, Dr. Kunnummal has made a direct attempt to seize control over the university’s digital filing system. However, such efforts have turned futile thus far with the service provider not accepting the Vice-Chancellor’s demands. The Technopark-based firm which operates the digital document filing system has apparently stated that all administrative access and file controls remain under their contract with Keltron.

They purportedly rejected the Vice-Chancellor’s call to revoke admin access from current nodal officers and to grant him ‘super administrator’ privileges, stating that such a move would require Keltron’s permission.

Dr. Kunnummal had also attempted to redirect file access to Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappan, who was assigned additional charge of the Registrar, but the digital service provider continued to send files to Dr. Anil Kumar, citing administrative norms and contractual obligations.

Under such circumstances, the Vice-Chancellor is reportedly considering transferring file management authority to the Digital University Kerala. However, any such move that bypassed Keltron and its existing agreements could trigger further legal and political battles, sources said.