The Lokayukta on Friday dismissed senior Congress leader and MLA Ramesh Chennithala’s plea against Higher Education Minister R Bindu, alleging “bias” in the re-appointment of Kannur University vice-chancellor.
In its order, the Lokayukta said, “We are not prepared to accept the contention that the Pro-Chancellor of the University cannot even make a suggestion to the Chancellor, especially when it is for the Chancellor to accept or reject or ignore the suggestion.” was open to.
The order stated that the minister’s letters for reappointment were only a suggestion/proposal in his capacity as the Minister of Higher Education and Pro-Chancellor.
It said it was not of the view that the minister’s action amounted to “abuse of his position as minister”, as stated in the complaint.
“Though it is alleged that the minister is guilty of favoritism, nepotism and lack of integrity, there is no material to substantiate the allegations,” the Lokayukta said. He said the allegations leveled against the minister had no legal or factual basis. That they are not required to be inquired into by this Court under Section 9 of the Kerala Lokayukta Act.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who is also the chancellor of universities, wrote to CM Pinarayi Vijayan last December against political interference in universities.
In a strongly worded letter, the governor had informed Vijayan that if an ordinance was brought to amend the Acts empowering the chief minister to be the chancellor of universities, Vijayan was ready to sign it immediately.
“I would like to clarify that in the case of Kannur University, I did something against my better judgment but I do not want to do such things anymore. And at the same time I do not want to take the path of conflict with my own government.
On Thursday, the Kerala Raj Bhavan had issued a press release saying that the re-appointment of Kannur University VC was initiated by the CM and the Higher Education Minister.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh news And coronavirus news Here.
,