The administrative tribunal of Keral (Kat) struck the appointment of directors of state and scientific universities and decided that the appointment was carried out in violation of UGC standards and set instructions.
In its Tuesday’s judgment, a division of a division of a division of PV ASHA and an administrative member of PK Kesavan ordered that in 2022 a new appointment from the list of 110 eligible candidates in strict UGC instructions must be carried out.
The selection committee then found 43 eligible candidates, of which 36 were promoted as directors. Until then, the remaining candidates went to the narrower selection.
The appointment process was then witnessed by the controversy after the Ministry of Higher Education was accused of circumventing UGC standards by accepting articles published in magazines that are not listed in the UGC-Care list (consortium for academic and research ethics) for location and promotion. The government also got under fire for considering deputing service as a pedagogical experience. Such cases have paved the accusation path that this process was manipulated by a reduction in the selection criteria to prefer certain candidates.
The Tribunal has now decided that only a departmental service provided in the field of teaching and research can be considered on the appointment of the director.
It also ordered a fresh selection commission strictly in accordance with UGC regulations. While those who have previously been promoted are not forced to appear for any interview for the appointment process, their current appointment would be subject to a reassessment result.
The entire exercise will have to be completed within three months, decided by cat.
Published – 30 July 2025 20:40 is
