The syndicate of Kerala University has taken a decisive step to initiate the process for appointing a permanent registrar for the institution at the earliest. This move comes in the wake of a vacancy created after the state government cancelled the deputation of the former registrar, K S Anilkumar, who has since rejoined as the principal of Devaswom Board College.
Governor's Intervention Creates Roadblock
In a related development, the university's plan to appoint Sam Solaman as the registrar in-charge hit a significant roadblock. The syndicate's decision could not be implemented due to the intervention of Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The governor acted upon a complaint filed by a BJP nominee within the university syndicate, syndicate member Gopakumar.
The complaint raised a crucial procedural objection. It argued that Sam Solaman, being an elected member of the university senate as a teachers' representative, could not simultaneously hold the position of university registrar. The contention was that an elected senate member should not double as the registrar. Following this complaint, Governor Arlekar sought a clarification from the university's vice-chancellor, leading to an administrative impasse.
Joint Registrar Asked to Hold Charge
As a direct consequence of this fresh development and the resulting deadlock, the vice-chancellor has taken an interim measure. The vice-chancellor has instructed the joint registrar, R Reshmi, to continue holding the post until a new registrar formally takes over. This stop-gap arrangement ensures the administrative functions of the university continue without disruption while the syndicate expedites the process for a permanent appointment.
The Path Forward for a Permanent Appointment
With the temporary appointment plan stalled, the university's syndicate has now turned its focus squarely on filling the position on a permanent basis. The decision underscores the urgency to have stable leadership in the key administrative role of registrar. The entire episode highlights the complex interplay between university autonomy, administrative rules, and the oversight role of the chancellor's office, currently held by the Governor. The university community now awaits the swift conclusion of the appointment process to bring an end to the uncertainty.
