A controversy is brewing over a Board of Governors (BoG) meeting of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), scheduled for May 22, which has been convened by the Chancellor.
The special session, mainly called to present the university Budget for 2025-26, has sparked concerns with various quarters alleging the meeting is being convened in violation of university norms.
In a joint statement on Monday, Left-leaning All Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association and the University Employees Confederation argued that the Chancellor does not possess the authority to directly convene a BoG meeting under the University Act. They also claimed that the notification that intimated BoG members of the meeting was issued by the former Registrar whose tenure ended on March 3. With the university yet to appoint a new Registrar, the communication has further raised concerns about its legitimacy.
The organisations further alleged that the notice has not been sent to all BoG members, particularly those who were nominated under the amended university law five years ago. While several of these members were subjects of petitions that demanded their removal, such pleas were subsequently dismissed by the Kerala High Court. The court had then upheld their continuation in office until the end of their legally defined term.
However, these members have allegedly been denied invitation to the upcoming meeting. While the university sought clarification on the issue, the Raj Bhavan responded that it is up to the university to adopt appropriate action.
The organisations also alleged that the key agenda for the meeting, i.e., the presentation of the university Budget, is also a matter of contention. The Syndicate and the finance committee, which are responsible for preparing and presenting the budget, are yet to undertake the tasks.
Published – May 19, 2025 06:55 pm IST