Latest news with #MohananKunnummal
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala University V-C orders withholding of Registrar's salary
The administrative tussle at Kerala University continues to simmer, with Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal initiating measures to withhold the salary of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar. The Vice-Chancellor, who remains firm on the Registrar's suspension despite the Syndicate's claim that it has been revoked, has directed the Finance Officer to adopt necessary steps in this regard. The officer has been ordered to stop disbursing Dr. Kumar's salary, while only allowing subsistence allowance in accordance with service rules. Dr. Kunnummal had suspended the Registrar from service on July 2 by invoking his special powers under the University Act. However, Left-backed Syndicate members claimed to have revoked the suspension on July 6, despite the Vice-Chancellor adjourning and exiting the meeting. Joint Registrar P. Harikumar, who officiated as Registrar in the interim period, subsequently issued an order to formally reinstate Dr. Kumar. Mr. Harikumar was served a show-cause notice for these actions, allegedly done at the behest of Syndicate members. Despite the Vice-Chancellor assigning the Registrar's duties to Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen, Dr. Kumar continues to report to his office, purportedly acting on the instructions issued by the Syndicate.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala University V-C Mohanan Kunnummal returns amid tight security; SFI refrains from protesting on campus
Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal arrived at the university headquarters on Friday (July 18, 2025) after nearly 20 days. His return, under tight police security, marks a significant development following weeks of controversy and student protests. Notably, no protests were staged by the Students' Federation of India (SFI), despite declarations that they would block the Vice-Chancellor's entry. Mr. Kunnummal had stayed away from the university citing threats to his life and peace on the campus following intense protests by the SFI. His return comes a few days after a meeting with Governor and Chancellor of the university, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and amidst administrative tensions within the establishment. While mediapersons attempted to get a response from Mr. Kunnummal during his arrival both at the airport earlier and at the university premises, he declined to comment as he proceeded under tight security. Pending certificates Despite continuing its agitation against the Governor and the Vice-Chancellors appointed by him, the SFI did not organise any protests on the campus during Mr. Kunnummal's arrival. The CPI(M)-feeder student body has stated that their decision was based on the pressing need to get the several pending certificates cleared by the Vice-Chancellor. Last week, the university had witnessed dramatic scenes when SFI activists stormed the university headquarters, shouting slogans against both the Vice-Chancellor and the Chancellor. Hundreds participated in the protest, which also led to arrests. Those detained were recently granted bail. While the situation conveys a semblance of normalcy, it remains to be seen what transpires within the top echelons of power at the university. The Vice-Chancellor has yet to accept the disputed reinstatement of Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar by the Syndicate, and has charged Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen with the additional charge of Registrar. Mr. Kunnummal's move to convene an Academic Council through Ms. Kappen, while ignoring repeated calls from Left-backed Syndicate members for an urgent Syndicate meeting, has further deepened the divide within the administrative circles.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Administrative tussle continues at Kerala University; SFI holds demonstration at university headquarters
The administrative tussle at Kerala University showed no signs of abatement with Vice-Chancellor (V-C) in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal barring Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar from using his official vehicle on Tuesday. Dr. Kunnummal has issued instructions to Director (Planning and Development) Mini Dejo Kappen, who has been given additional charge of Registrar, and the security wing to implement the order. However, while similar orders had been issued earlier, the outcome of the latest order remains to be seen. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) renewed its protest against the Vice-Chancellor, a day after he accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-feeder of preventing his entry into the campus. Administrative impasse Scores of SFI activists marched to the university headquarters amid police vigil, chanting slogans against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the Vice-Chancellor. SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev, who launched the demonstration, accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of systematically infiltrating the State's universities through temporary Vice-Chancellor appointments. He also blamed Dr. Kunnummal for the administrative impasse that prevailed at the university. Amid the persisting stand-off, the university remains caught in the worrying administrative stalemate with several crucial files, including degree and equivalency certificate applications and Plan fund release requests, pending clearance. Those required to conduct PhD theses presentations and facilitate career advancements have also been stalled. The scenario has also paved the way for concerns about the potential lapse of a significant funding of ₹100 crore the university stood to receive under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). Calicut and Kannur Universities were chosen for similar allocations under the national scheme, which guaranteed a total funding of ₹405 crore for educational institutions in Kerala. 60:40 basis The State government had submitted proposals and presentations to secure the funding, which is supposed to be shared on a 60:40 basis between the Central and State governments. The guidelines mandated that the entire amount be utilised before March 31 for universities to remain eligible for direct funding in the future. The universities had constituted committees and commenced preliminary steps to implement the finalised projects to meet the criterion. However, the absence of Vice-Chancellor from office and the inability to convene Syndicate committees threatened to jeopardise the universities' prospects for expansion.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CUEO urges Governor's intervention in Kerala University issue
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, (CUEO), representing employees across all State universities, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to recall Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal, blaming the latter's alleged illegal actions for the prevailing crisis at the university. CUEO, in a formal representation, accused the Vice-Chancellor of violating statutory provisions to 'unilaterally and illegally' suspend the incumbent Registrar. 'Subsequently, the Syndicate, in its capacity as the legitimate authority as written in the Kerala University Act, revoked the suspension of the Registrar, who has since resumed his official duties. However, the individual illegally appointed by the Vice Chancellor (as Registrar) continues to remain in the university, creating a situation where two persons are functioning as Registrar. This unprecedented scenario has led to severe confusion, disarray and operational chaos among employees across the university.' The organisation cautioned that the university's functioning has come to a virtual standstill, with the prevailing environment of uncertainty severely hampering administrative activities. 'What makes this situation especially concerning is that it comes at a critical juncture in the academic calendar, with admission processes underway for various programmes. The crisis threatens to jeopardise admissions, and tarnish the university's reputation,' it stated. Separately, the Federation of University Teachers Associations issued a statement, condemning the 'unprofessional and politically motivated actions' of temporary Vice-Chancellors in the State's universities. While the public in Kerala have always held the position of Vice-Chancellor in high regard, certain persons who hold the position on a temporary basis have been allegedly undermining the office's prestige by engaging in politically-motivated actions.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Kerala university protest: Case registered against 27 SFI activists including state secretary
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 9 (ANI): Following the violent protest at Kerala University, a case has been registered against 27 activists of the ruling CPM's Students Federation of India (SFI), including its state secretary P S Sanjeev, who has been named the prime accused, police said. The case also names 1,000 identifiable protesters who have been accused of damaging public property, forcibly entering the university campus, and assaulting police and university staff, police said on Tuesday. The police have also invoked non-bailable charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Kerala Police Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The police detained the protesting activists. The protest, which was against Governor Rajendra Arlekar, saw SFI activists break open the university gate and clash with police. The activists had entered the premises of Kerala University, alleging the 'saffronisation' of universities. The police tried to bring the situation under control as the students entered the university premises. The visuals showed police officials with protective gear detaining the SFI activists while the protestors were seen sloganeering. Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA MV Govindan also arrived at the University campus. The row began when SFI opposed the use of a picture of 'Bharat Mata' in an event at Kerala University. The protestors were also agitated regarding the suspension of Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal. On July 2, the Governor appointed Ciza Thomas, Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University, as the Vice Chancellor-in-Charge of the University of Kerala. Sharing an X post, Governor Arlekar wrote, 'Hon'ble Governor as Chancellor has ordered that Dr. Ciza Thomas, VC, Kerala Digital University, shall exercise powers & perform duties of Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala, in addition to her normal duties from 3rd to 8th July 2025, during the absence of Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal.' (ANI)
