DUK, KTU interim V-Cs assume charges

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan defends the appointments of Ciza Thomas and K. Sivaprasad in DUK and KTU, respectively

Ciza Thomas and K. Sivaprasad assumed office as interim Vice-Chancellors (V-C) of Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), respectively on Thursday.

Tense scenes unfolded at the KTU when Prof. Sivaprasad arrived on the campus to take charge. Activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Left-aligned employees organisations staged demonstrations in protest against his appointment. Their attempt to barge into the office of the Vice-Chancellor was thwarted by the police.

Prof. Sivaprasad later said he has assumed the task entrusted upon him by the Governor and that he intended to focus his efforts towards his responsibilities at the helm of the university. He expressed optimism that he could ensure the collective efforts of the student and teaching communities, while pledging to address the apprehensions among various sections.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who also addressed media persons, defended the appointments that, he maintained, adhered to the directions of both the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court, as well as the University Grants Commission regulations.

Citing a Supreme Court judgement, he said the government had no “business” in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellors. Responding to Higher Education Minister R. Bindu’s criticisms, he said, “Everybody has the right to say whatever they wants to in a democracy.”

Published - November 28, 2024 08:52 pm IST