Archive · 28 May 2025
Kerala Governor Cancels University Promotion Amidst Controversy
The Governor of Kerala, who oversees the university, has overturned a decision by the university's governing body, the Syndicate.
The Syndicate had decided to promote a professor, S. Naseeb, but the Governor found this violated rules set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The disagreement stems from whether prior contract work could count towards the promotion, which the Governor and VC disagree with.
This has caused tension because of potential policy changes to university appointment and has involved the state government.
The Governor of Kerala canceled a university syndicate's decision to promote S. Naseeb.
The promotion was alleged to violate university and UGC norms.
The Syndicate initially ignored the Governor's show-cause notice.
The VC opposed the move, citing UGC regulations.
The Save University Campaign Committee alleged the decision was politically motivated.
- Who
- Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the University Syndicate; S. Naseeb.
- What
- Governor annulled the Syndicate's decision to promote S. Naseeb.
- When
- May 2025
- Where
- Kerala University
- Why
- Violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms regarding promotion criteria.
Syndicate (CPM-backed)
Governor and VC
Promotion Criteria
Syndicate (CPM-backed)
The Syndicate, likely with CPI(M) support, wanted to allow the promotion to proceed, potentially bypassing UGC regulations.
Governor and VC
UGC regulations were violated in the promotion of S. Naseeb, specifically in counting contract work as experience.
VC stance
Syndicate (CPM-backed)
The Syndicate initially ignored the Governor's show-cause notice and stuck to their original decision.
Governor and VC
VC Mohanan Kunnummal agrees with the Governor and believes promotion criteria was incorrectly applied.
- Institution
- Kerala University
- Key Decision Maker
- Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- Person Affected
- S. Naseeb
- Reason for Annulment
- Violation of UGC norms
- Core Issue
- Disagreement over promotion criteria
- Political Affiliation
- CPI(M)-backed members of Syndicate
