The University Grants Commission (UGC) has dismissed Kannur University's claim about her qualifications, stating that her three years of research experience cannot be considered teaching experience. The Kerala High Court has asked UGC to submit its stance in writing.
Kerala High Court extends stay on Assistant Professor's appointment by month
The Kerala High Court has extended the stay on the appointment of Priya Varghese as assistant professor of Malayalam by a month; i.e. until September 30. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has dismissed Kannur University's claim about her qualifications, stating that her three years of research experience cannot be considered teaching experience. The Kerala High Court has asked UGC to submit its stance in writing.
The High Court was hearing the petition by a candidate who had interviewed for the assistant professorship, alleging that Varghese was appointed even though she did not have the required qualifications. She is the wife of KK Ragesh, who is a former Rajya Sabha MP and personal secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
It was alleged that she was appointed to the post on the basis of the political connections she had. However, she has refused all these allegations. Other candidates also accused her of being less qualified than them.
It must be noted that her appointment was first stayed by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in August, stating that the appointment of a person who is not qualified appears to be a case of nepotism. “This is political. There is absolutely no doubt," he had said. The issue turned into a flashpoint between the Governor and the state government, with the latter defending the appointment.
State Higher Education Minister R Bindu had last week said in Assembly that there is nothing irregular in the appointment process, as all the guidelines laid down by the UGC were followed. The opposition, on the other hand, alleged that many of the candidates including Varghese were not qualified for the posts and were being appointed or selected due to political interference.
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