It is laid down quite clearly in the book that an academic, to make the cut as a vice-chancellor, should put in around 30 years, the last 10 of which as professor. The chances are that, when the dust settles over the selection of the top nine academics of five universities in the state - five VCs and four Pro-VCs - those perched on those coveted chairs would not have put in half the number of years.
Cashing in on the loose manner in which the University Act and Statutes and UGC regulations are now interpreted in Kerala, nearly 100 academics, at least half of them who would be deemed unfit if the rule book is strictly followed, have thrown their hat in the ring. Most of them are in their 40s, while they should’ve been in their mid-50s if they had earned their laurels as seasoned professors. The vacancies are expected to be filled up during the November-May window.
Kerala and MG universities top the list in terms of numbers, with about 35 vying for the top four posts. The list includes those who pledge their allegiance to the UDF, with at least a few of them having donned the LDF colours when the previous government was in power. Kith and kin of prominent community and political leaders too are in the fray.
“The state govt should amend the university acts as per the UGC regulation to eliminate mediocrity from the higher echelons of our collegiate educational system,” said R S Sasi Kumar, KU Syndicate member.
Notification No. F.3-1/2009 of UGC dated 30th June, 2010, clause 7.3.0 says, “The Vice-Chancellor to be appointed should be a distinguished academician, with a minimum of 10 years of experience as Professor in a university system or 10 years of experience in an equivalent position in a reputed research and /or academic administrative organisation.”
“Though there should be quality in the education system, we are against discrimination between teachers of universities and colleges. The govt can solve the issue by bringing in a unified university Act,” said M C Dileep Kumar, president, KPCTA.
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