CPI government vs Governor: In an unprecedented move, the Kerala cabinet has decided to introduce an ordinance in the state assembly to remove Governor from the post of Chancellor of State-run universities.
According to reports, the state government is mulling bringing an expert in place of the Chancellor. This comes amidst the ongoing tussle between the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led left government and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
The decision was taken days after Governor Khan asked the Vice-Chancellors of the state's nine universities to step down.
In accordance with a directive from the governor of Kerala, the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Kerala, the Mahatma Gandhi University, the Cochin University of Science and Technology, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, the University of Calicut, the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, and the Thunachath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University have been asked to resign from their positions.
Later, the VCs of nine universities filed a lawsuit in the High Court against the Governor's directive. Meanwhile, the Governor had also appointed Ciza Thomas as the Vice Chancellor in-charge of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) in Thiruvananthapuram.
Referring to a recent Supreme Court order quashing the appointment of the VC of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University for being contrary to UGC regulations, Khan had sought the resignations of VCs of nine varsities in the state. The move, however, was welcomed by the Congress-led UDF opposition.
Further, Governor Khan's order was challenged by the state government which urged the High Court to stay the appointment. However, the court declined to adhere to the state government's request and refused to stay the appointment.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also reacted to the Kerala government's decision. "An ordinance only becomes valid when the Governor signs it, so I find this slightly odd that the state cabinet will pass a resolution asking the Governor... let's see whether he wants to do it," he stated.
(With ANI inputs)
Also Read:Kerala Governor vs Chancellor of varsities: 'VCs can continue till final order,' says High Court
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