Latest news with #RajendraVishwanathArlekar
The Hindu
2 days ago
- 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.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Video: Left Activists Storm Kerala University In Protest Against Governor
Thiruvananthapuram: Members of the left-wing group Students' Federation of India (SFI) broke into the campus of Kerala University today in protest against what they called "saffronisation" of the institution. The protest happened while Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was participating in an international seminar on the Sanskrit language, titled 'Global Issues and Sanskrit Knowledge Systems'. This was the first time the Governor - who is also the Chancellor of the university in Thiruvananthapuram - visited the campus in two years, amid friction between him and the SFI. The police used mild force to prevent the protesters from creating a ruckus on the campus. Some SFI members were detained, while others kept shouting slogans against the Governor. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | SFI members enter the premises of Kerala University as they protest against the Governor alleging saffronisation of universities; Police try to bring the situation under control — ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025 Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA MV Govindan also arrived at the campus to show support to the SFI. The row began when SFI opposed the use of a picture of 'Bharat Mata' at the university event. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | SFI activists enter the premises of Kerala University as they protest against the Governor alleging saffronisation of universities — ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025 The SFI has also been raising its voice against 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. Last month, SFI members protested against an order by Kunnur University, which decided to form a special committee to monitor university programmes for anti-national content. The order was later withdrawn.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SFI workers march against ''saffronisation'' of Kerala universities
Thiruvananthapuram, Scores of Students' Federation of India activists marched towards major universities in Kerala on Tuesday, protesting what they claimed were attempts to "saffronise" higher education institutions under the influence of the Sangh Parivar. SFI workers march against ''saffronisation'' of Kerala universities Raising slogans against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also serves as the Chancellor of the universities, protestors broke through police barricades outside Kannur University. Police responded with water cannons, but SFI members managed to reach the Vice-Chancellor's office, where they staged a sit-in protest. Tensions also rose at Calicut University in Thenjippalam, Malappuram district, where a brief scuffle broke out between police and student protestors during the march. The SFI organised similar marches at Kerala University. Charged-up SFI workers broke open the gates of the Kerala University headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and rushed into the office complex, as police failed to control the agitating students. They stood inside the university building, raising slogans against the Governor and Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal. The protests called for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellors of Calicut and Kerala universities, accusing them of aligning too closely with the ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Police remained on high alert at all locations to prevent any escalation of the protests. Universities in Kerala have recently witnessed a power struggle between the Raj Bhavan and the Left-led state government. Tensions escalated after some Vice-Chancellors, appointed temporarily by the Chancellor, took actions that student and teacher unions affiliated with the Left allege are supportive of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala University has seen dramatic scenes since the beginning of this month, following the suspension of the Registrar by Vice-Chancellor Kunnummal. The action was taken after the Registrar issued a notice cancelling a private programme attended by Governor Arlekar at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag was displayed. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala University turns battleground: SFI workers storm campus, protest against ‘saffronisation'; accuse VCs of bias, Sangh links
NEW DELHI: Scores of activists from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) marched towards major universities across the state on Tuesday, protesting what they alleged were attempts to 'saffronise' higher education institutions under the influence of the Sangh Parivar. In Kannur, SFI protestors raised slogans against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also serves as the Chancellor of state universities, and broke through police barricades outside Kannur University. Police deployed water cannons in response, but the protestors reached the Vice-Chancellor's office and held a sit-in protest inside. Similar tensions were reported at Calicut University in Thenjippalam, Malappuram district, where a brief scuffle broke out between the police and students during the march. At Kerala University headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, SFI workers broke open the gates and stormed into the office complex. Police were unable to prevent the breach, and protestors entered the university building, shouting slogans against the Governor and Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal. The SFI demanded the resignation of the Vice-Chancellors of both Calicut and Kerala universities, accusing them of aligning too closely with the ideology of the Sangh Parivar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Police forces remained on high alert at all affected locations to prevent further escalation. Universities in Kerala have recently become flashpoints in a growing power tussle between the Raj Bhavan and the Left-led state government. Tensions intensified after several Vice-Chancellors, appointed on a temporary basis by the Chancellor, undertook actions that student and teacher unions affiliated with the Left claim support the Sangh Parivar's ideology. Kerala University has witnessed heightened unrest since earlier this month, following the suspension of the Registrar by vice-chancellor Kunnummal. The Registrar had issued a notice cancelling a private event attended by Governor Arlekar at the Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag was displayed. (With agency inputs)
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kerala's curriculum panel approves new chapter on Governor's duties in Class 10 textbook
Thiruvananthapuram, A curriculum committee, set up by the Kerala General Education Department, has approved a new chapter in the Class10 textbook in state-run schools that explains the constitutional powers and duties of state Governors. Kerala's curriculum panel approves new chapter on Governor's duties in Class 10 textbook The meeting of the panel, headed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, approved the new contents in textbooks of Class second, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth, an official statement said here. The new chapter on the Governor's powers was included in the Class 10 textbook amidst an ongoing tussle between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the name of the display of Bharat Mata portrait. The powers and duties of the Governor are discussed in detail in the chapter titled 'Democracy: An Indian Experience' in the second volume of the social science textbook of the Class 10, according to the statement issued on Friday. The particular chapter also explains the crisis in Indian democracy, the Supreme Court's ruling that abolished the electoral bonds, and resort politics, the statement further said. The revised textbooks would reach the children before the Onam holidays. During the meeting, the curriculum committee also gave permission for holding detailed discussions in classrooms in connection with the revision of higher secondary textbooks to collect the opinions of students, teachers, and parents, and begin its compilation after organising symposiums at the district and state levels, it added. Minister Sivankutty, last month, had announced that school textbooks would soon include content explaining the constitutional powers and duties of state Governors, saying schools are the ideal place to learn the values of democracy. A tussle has been going on between Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in the state for some time over the display of Bharat Mata portrait in Raj Bhavan during official functions. General Education Minister Sivankutty recently walked out of a programme attended by the Governor, citing the display of the portrait at the venue. His cabinet colleague and Agricultural Minister P Prasad also boycotted a function at Raj Bhavan, citing a similar reason. The Raj Bhavan had expressed strong displeasure over the ministers' act. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
