VCs must skip events by political outfits, says Kerala edu minister

Kochi: Higher education minister Roji M John said that vice-chancellors (VCs) should not participate in programmes organised by political organizations and described the recent action by three state university VCs attending an RSS event as unacceptable. He also said the state govt has limitations as per law in taking disciplinary action against VCs but added that legal aspects of the said incident will be examined.

He made the remarks while addressing the media on Sunday.On June 13, KUHS VC Mohanan Kunnummal, MG University VC-in-charge D Mavoothu and Malayalam University VC CR Prasad attended an event held as part of RSS’ centenary celebrations.“Vice-chancellors should be symbols of impartiality in the academic and administrative activities of universities. It is a position held in high regard by the public. VC participation in RSS events or programmes organized by political or religious organizations is unacceptable.

State govt is of the view that VCs should not participate in such events,” he said.John said that universities are autonomous institutions and the governor appoints VCs. As a result, govt has limitations under existing statutes in taking disciplinary action against them. He added that govt would examine whether any legal options are available in this matter.On the Malayidamthuruthu land dispute, the minister said a long-pending issue was resolved. He said the agreement will be signed on Monday and submitted in court on Tuesday. The settlement will bring significant relief to residents living in the area, he added.