Kerala Education Minister 'interfered' in college principal posts' selection process

According to the RTI document filed by Dr Babu S, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu intervened in the selection process for Principals in government arts and science colleges. The final list of 43 recommended individuals, put together by the Select Committee, was modified based on the Minister's instructions. The Minister's intervention was established as she constituted an appeal committee to consider those who were initially excluded from the list.

The selection committee, formed under UGC regulations, initially compiled a list of 43 individuals who met the required qualifications out of a pool of 110 applicants. However, the documents accessed by Republic Digital reveal the Minister has instructed that the current list be treated as a draft, and an appeal committee be established, as noted in an e-file dated November 12, 2022.

After the Minister's intervention, the Director of College Education published a draft list on January 11 this year. The appeal committee, formed by the government, created a list of 76 individuals, including those who were disqualified by the selection committee.

But, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, established for adjudication or trial of disputes and complaints concerning recruitment to public services and posts, prevented the government from appointing individuals from a list of 76, instead of the original 43. The tribunal's ruling on July 24 made it clear that appointments should only be made from the list of 43 individuals.

Opposition demands minister to step down

In the wake of the controversy, leader of Opposition VD Satheeshan has demanded the minister step down from the post. "The Higher education minister who reversed the list, misused their power and is unsuitable for holding the ministers post. She should immediately resign for her illicit meddling," Satheeshan said while speaking to the media in Kottayam. 

Lamenting about the current situation of the education institutes in Kerala, the Congress leader elaborated on the prevalent situation in the universities and colleges. "9 state universities have no vice chancellors," he said with 'government-placed in-charges' running the administration. Even if the process began now, it would take 6 months. "Recent controversies have tarnished the universities' credibility and the Minister of Higher Education is responsible," he stated.

BJP state president K Surendran also demanded the resignation of the minister and questioned why Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is silent on the issue. " The CM had promised to make Kerala a hub of the Higher Education sector. The higher education minister had made the education sector cow down to the demands of the AKG Center ( CPIM's state office).

Following evidence of interference by the Higher Education Minister in the appointment of principals in various arts and science colleges, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal has ordered that qualified persons from the final list of 43 members will be appointed as principals within two weeks. The appointment of principals from the Public Service Commission-approved list was suggested by the tribunal. The Higher Education Minister had previously attempted to create a new list of 76 candidates, but the Tribunal has instructed that appointments should be made in accordance with the approved list. The minister has announced plans to implement the Tribunal's proposal. The matter has caused embarrassment for the Left government, as there has been a series of controversies regarding its interference in appointments in academic institutions of Kerala and for providing a long rope to its student union members.

The minister's response is awaited in the matter.

Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu

Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu with CM Pinarayi Vijayan

(Photo credit: R Bindu's official FB page)