Thiruvananthapuram: Around 66 government colleges in Kerala have been functioning without an institution head for the last four years. Even though the Public Service Commission has recommended a list of eligible candidates for Principal post two months ago, the government shies away from approving the list or making the appointments.
As the promotion to Principal posts too have been stalled, the subsequent appointment of Assistant Professors also has been delayed.
Various teachers’ associations are responsible for not appointing eligible candidates as Principals in Government Arts and Science Colleges and Polytechnics. It is alleged that the government has conceded to their pressure tactics.
Meanwhile, MTech graduates who do not have the approval of All India Council of Technical Education were appointed temporarily as Principals in polytechnics.
Bid to relax norms
Among the 120 applicants to the post of Principals at government colleges, the Higher Education department and the PSC had recommended the names of 43 candidates who are eligible as per the University Grants Commission’s guidelines. However, there are allegations that the list isn’t approved as it doesn’t include the names of any association leaders. It is assumed that the appointment procedures are being indefinitely delayed in order to appoint association leaders by relaxing the guidelines of UGC and AICTE.
A candidate needs to be a PhD holder and should have at least 15 years of teaching experience, publications in UGC-approved journals and a research score of 110 points. Even though the associations had succeeded in pressurizing the government to reduce the criterion of 15 years of teaching experience to merely teaching service, the higher education department refused to make any further changes in the criteria for appointment of Principals.
Besides, the government decision to give temporary promotion for MTech graduates who do not have AICTE approval to Principal posts too is against the guidelines of the central government.
The suit filed by polytechnic teachers challenging these temporary appointments are currently under the consideration of the administrative tribunal. The state government has allowed relaxation in the eligibility of the Principal even as the states do not have the jurisdiction to alter the guidelines prescribed by the central government.