Calicut University vice-chancellor faces vigilance, staff heat
There are rumours that the UGC would nominate someone with strong BJP ties
KOZHIKODE: Towards the end of his tenure in office, Calicut University vice-chancellor Dr M. Abdul Salam finds the seat too hot with another major blow in the form of the Governor sanctioning his prosecution in the Vigilance case for alleged involvement in the re-examination conducted for 24 failed students violating rules.
With the teachers, students and staff unions across party lines demanding his resignation, the last day in office on August 11 will not be that warm as generally expected.
Meanwhile, Muslim League leadership has started consultations to find a replacement.
Speaking to DC, League leader and syndicate member Dr V. P. Abdul Hameed confirmed that talks were active but they were yet to reach a consensus.
He also brushed aside the news that some League leaders are demanding a second term for Dr Salam.
“He has crossed 60 years of age and there is no point in discussing an extension for him as the University Act does not permit it,” he said.
However, the League is in a dilemma over finding a right person for the post from Kerala as they fear that if a less qualified person is nominated, the Gove-rnor would reject it and appoint someone else.
There are also rumours that the UGC would nominate someone with strong BJP ties. “There is already a strong opinion among some League leaders that the present VC damaged the party’s image. They don’t want it to happen again and also wanted to prevent the move to appoint a BJP nominee. In order to achieve this, they have to pick someone with good academic background and popular image, probably someone from North India,” sources said.
Meanwhile the Governor on Thursday has directed the VC to urgently convene a special senate meeting for the nomination of the representative of the Senate, for the selection committee of the Vice Chancellor.