The three main organizations of left-wing teachers were strongly criticized by the Vice-Chairman of the Council for Higher Education in Kerala (KSHEC) Rajan Grukkal for “distorted interpretations”, which allegedly justify and seize the “authoritarian tendencies” Vice-Chancellor (VC) who were compulsory Kerala University, Mohanan Kunnummal.
Prof. During a recent interview with Hindu, Gurukkal emphasized the role of Vice -President as the only executive and academic head of the university. He also violated the syndicate for the existing administrative dead end, which influenced the functioning of the institution.
In his joint statement, all Keral Private College Teachers’ Association (AKPCTA), KERAL Government College Teachers (AKGCT) and FUTA Federation (Futa), accused prof. Gurukkal from the undercutting of a democratic ethos anchored in Keral University Act Act.
“Keral University is not centers of autocracy, but democratic institutions rooted in the Renaissance heritage of social justice and collective decision -making,” the statement read.
The organizations also took Umbrage with prof. Grukkala perceived silence on alleged abuse of powers of temporary VC, which allegedly acted in violation of university laws.
According to trade unions of the recent VC event, circumvention of syndicate and other statutory bodies and issuing unilateral orders violate not only the letter but the spirit of the University law. Provisions 10 (13), which allows VC to act independently in extraordinary circumstances, is abused, they say.
The joint statement accuses the VC of showing intolerance to student democratic authorities and monitors the administrative agenda that is in line with right -wing interests. He warns that such actions, if unaffected, will lead to the erosion of academic freedom and institutional integrity.
The unions also refuted the claims of prof. Gurukkala that the decision of the Syndicates is required by the approval of the VC. “Chapter 6, provision 2 of the status of the University of Keral University allows the syndicate to convene even in the absence of the VC.
Published – July 25, 2025 20:00
