Kerala Govt wants all universities function properly, ready to resolve issues with Guv: Education Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday said that the LDF government wants to resolve all issues that affect the functioning of the higher education sector. He was referring to the protests against Governor Rajendra Arlekar in the universities. He pointed out that the government sees nothing wrong in reaching a compromise with the Governor if it helps ensure that students’ education remains unaffected.

“ The government wants all universities in the state to function properly, the same cannot be said of the Governor or some Vice Chancellors. They intend to disrupt the state's higher education sector, which maintains one of the best academic standards in the country. A lot of foreign students come here to study,” said the minister.

He added that the LDF government wants students’ education to remain unaffected and ready to make any compromise to ensure that.

The Governor and the state government have been at loggerheads over several issues, including the recent suspension of the Kerala University registrar KS Anil Kumar.

Kerala University Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Anil Kumar for allegedly attempting to cancel a private programme organised by a religious outfit and attended by the Governor at the Kerala University Senate Hall, where a portrait of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag was displayed. The incident led to dramatic scenes and unprecedented protests by Left student and youth outfits since the beginning of the month.

Peace was restored at the university on July 18, following a reported meeting between Vice Chancellor and Higher Education Minister R Bindu.