Controversy over Kerala University appointments exposes major issues related to higher education
a sharp point Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan sent a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan The condition of the state’s higher education sector has put the LDF government in a bind.
On 8 December, the governor wrote in condolence that the universities were “filled with political candidates” and that “non-academics are making academic decisions”. He reportedly expressed his displeasure over being pressured to sign the appointment orders.
a few days later, Higher Education Minister R. A “recommendation letter” forwarded by the point, who is also the pro-chancellor, the governor gave the opposition more fodder to criticize the government. Both the papers had touched upon the selection of vice-chancellors for Kannur University and Sri Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit. Mr Khan wrote that he wants to step down as chancellor, This showed how the government’s efforts to address their concerns and initiate back-channel talks with the Raj Bhavan had failed.
Suspecting the hidden motives behind the “leak”, the LDF accused the governor of a reversal as he suddenly objected against decisions that were earlier supported by him.
While the constitutional head of state cannot take refuge in his actions by the government claiming his hands are tied, the letters raise serious questions on political interference that has eroded the autonomy of universities.
Like other governments that have ruled the state in the past, the present and previous LDF governments have faced several allegations of political excesses and nepotism. Such a scenario does not bode well for the LDF, which returned to power earlier this year after promising, among other things, reforms in higher education and turning the state into a knowledge society.
Kerala, which is one of the best in terms of schooling in India, is lagging behind in academic standards in higher education. None of its universities are in the top 20 in the National Institute Ranking Framework rankings. Oddly, the status quo persists despite many Keralites establishing themselves as technocrats and scientists in other parts of the country and abroad. Three years ago, scientist CNR Rao expressed surprise that teachers and researchers from Kerala, known to excel elsewhere, have failed to perform within the state, with high literacy and social awareness. -With a long tradition of intellectual achievements. This situation has resulted in students going abroad and a decline in the number of ’employable’ youth.
To its credit, the LDF government has initiated efforts to modernize the region through a multi-pronged strategy. Apart from placing great emphasis on promoting innovations in various disciplines, it has constituted three commissions headed by eminent educationists to reform the university laws, examination system and the whole sector.
The controversy, in fact, could not have come at a more opportune time as it draws attention to some of the major problems that have been plaguing the region for a long time. Preserving the academic autonomy of higher education institutions as well as prioritizing merit over political, religious, caste and other considerations is critical in achieving the state’s lofty goals. Political interference and all other non-academic considerations including financial in case of private colleges can destroy the quest for academic excellence.
sarat.bg@thehindu.co.in
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