Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has stirred controversy by re-appointing Mohanan Kunnummal as Vice Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).
The decision, announced just ahead of Kunnummal's previous term expiration on October 25, extends his tenure for five years or until he turns 70, whichever comes first. The Governor has also appointed Kunnummal as interim Vice Chancellor of the University of Kerala until a permanent replacement is named, with both roles commencing on October 26.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has vehemently opposed the reappointment, arguing it is “undemocratic” and unprecedented. T P Ramakrishnan, convenor of the LDF, stated that the rules allow for only a six-month extension for current Vice Chancellors until a new appointee assumes office. He criticized the Governor for overstepping his authority, claiming that such appointments should involve consultation with the state government, particularly in state-funded universities.
State Health Minister Veena George echoed these sentiments, stating that the unilateral nature of Khan's decision undermines the principles of democracy and governance.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) has joined the chorus of criticism, labelling the reappointment as an “excessive use of power.” In a press release, FUTA leaders warned that the Chancellor’s actions threaten a significant crisis within Kerala’s higher education system. To voice their dissent, university teachers across Kerala plan to observe a “black day” on October 25 in protest against the Chancellor’s decision.
FUTA representatives also noted that the Governor's past criticisms of reappointments in academic positions seem hypocritical in light of this latest decision. They accused the Chancellor of disregarding proper procedures and unilaterally appointing a candidate of his choice.
