Row over ‘relaxation’ of contractual posting rule for Kerala Speaker A.N. Shamseer’s wife at Kannur University

Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer | Photo Credit: S. MAHINSHA

Kannur University’s decision to terminate assistant professors who had completed four years of contractual service has been partially reversed, sparking controversy over reported preferential treatment extended to P.M. Sahala, wife of Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer.

The university syndicate had earlier resolved to dismiss all assistant professors on contract who completed for year, citing legal risks of them later claiming permanent status. A fresh recruitment was to be initiated with new notifications and interviews.

However, on May 28, the university issued an amended order, exempting those working in the Teacher Education Centres from this rule. The exemption directly benefits Ms. Sahala, who has been serving as an assistant professor at a Teacher Education Centre since 2019.

While nearly 100 contract teachers were dismissed following the earlier decision, only a select few, reportedly including the Speaker’s wife, were retained under the revised order.

The Kannur University Senators Forum has submitted a formal petition to the Vice Chancellor, demanding uniform application of the rule.

“Exempting a few from dismissal undermines the credibility of the decision. All contractual teachers at Teacher Education Centres who have crossed the four year mark must also be relieved, said Ship P. Jose, convenor of the forum.

When contacted over phone, Vice Chancellor K.K. Saju was unavailable for comments.

Published - June 09, 2025 03:26 pm IST