VC meets Higher Education Minister, Kerala University deadlock all set to resolve

Thiruvananthapuram: The chaos that had engulfed the University of Kerala, set off by the Bharat Mata image in the University Senate Hall, registrar KS Anil Kumar's attempts to remove it and his resultant suspension, seems to be gradually disappearing, making the way clear for a resolution.

On Friday, three events point in this direction. One, Kerala VC-in-charge Dr Mohanan Kunnummal finally entered the University after his return from Moscow 21 days ago, and the SFI, which had threatened to block him, was not anywhere to be seen. This was a clear indication that the SFI had instructions from the CPM to go easy.

Higher education minister R Bindu later told the media that she had personally asked the VC to return to the University. "We had decided to intervene (to set things right) in the light of the realisation that controversies and disputes will turn out to be harmful for the University, particularly students. It is as part of this that the VC, who could not come to the University for some time, was asked to urgently come to the University and resume administrative work," the minister said.

She also hinted that the SFI agitation had been called off. "I believe that they fought for what was right. But that is over. Now, academic activities should go ahead in a peaceful manner," the minister said. 

However, soon after his return, the VC called a press conference and sounded defiant. He stuck to his stand that he had the power to suspend the registrar, termed as "criminal" Anil Kumar's move to enter the Registrar's office despite a prohibitory order, and called the protesters a bunch of goondas. The VC further said that he had signed 1838 degree certificates forwarded by the Controller of Examinations. "The candidates will now receive these certificates," he said.

Two, after all this show of defiance, the VC met with higher education minister R Bindu at her official residence. "When he was told that this does not bode well for the University, the VC also agreed to work for a resolution. He is ready for a settlement. I talked to the Syndicate members, too. We would like to reach a solution that is acceptable to both sides," the minister said after the meeting.

When she was informed about the VC's uncompromising stand just an hour ago, the minister said: "He did not come across as stubborn. He, too, seemed eager to resolve the crisis."

Three, the VC, who earlier in the day was non-committal, agreed to call an urgent Syndicate meeting. Was the VC willing, the minister was asked. "There is no way out other than to call a Syndicate meeting," she said.

The minister said that she had talked to the Syndicate members, too. Syndicate members Onmanorama talked to confirmed that the minister had contacted them.

"The minister said there should be an immediate end to the crisis and wanted us to take the initiative," Syndicate member Muralidharan Pillai G said. "We told her that we also wished the same thing. But for this to happen, the Syndicate has to be called first. For almost a week, we have been asking the VC to call an emergency Syndicate meeting," he said. 

Nonetheless, the fate of 'suspended' registrar K S Anil Kumar is uncertain. The minister was vague when asked whether Anil Kumar would participate in the Syndicate meeting. "There is no need to shout about what would happen at the Syndicate meeting. We just require to stick to the rules and statutes," Bindu said. 

On the other hand, Syndicate member Muralidharan Nair was unequivocal. "Anil Kumar should be present at the meeting, and not anybody else" he said. The VC had appointed the University's planning and development director, Mini Dejo Kappen, as the 'temporary registrar'.