Summary:
Kochi, Sep 17 (PTI) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Saturday said the state government cannot be given the power to appoint vice chancellors of universities as it would amount to "executive interference." The Governor"s statement comes a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lashed out at Khan over his remarks on alleged nepotism in appointments in the state varsities, calling it "absurd." Addressing the press here in the morning, Khan said, "Under qualified and unqualified people, just because they are related to the personal staff of the Chief Minister, cannot be allowed to be appointed." A visibly fuming Governor said these institutions belong to the people of Kerala and not to those who are dressed in "little brief authority" If somebody is qualified, they are most welcome and as far as qualified persons are concerned, there cannot be any objection to them, Khan said.
"The government cannot be given the power to appoint the vice chancellors...I am saying it clearly...this will amount to executive interference." Khan said the CM had earlier written a letter to him in which he had assured that there would be no interference.
"And now they are proposing that they will appoint the Vice Chancellor.
That would mean erosion of autonomy of the educational institutions.
As long as I am here, I will not allow the erosion of autonomy of the universities," he said.
Asked about the Lok Ayukta (Amendment Bill), passed by the state Assembly recently, Khan said there is no question of any time limit and "everything would be considered on merit".
Noting that he was yet to see the file of Lok Ayukta Bill, he said he had seen the assembly proceedings of the passing of the bill and the news reports in this regard.
He said there is one basic rule of jurisprudence, which says that if there is a complaint against a person, he or she cannot sit in judgement for their own cause.
Welcoming CM"s comments on the varsity appointments issue, Khan said he was happy that Vijayan was at least not trying to play the game from behind the curtain now and came out with a statement openly.
"I am so happy that the Chief Minister has come out openly.
He has given this statement.
I welcome his statement.
Because now at least he is not trying to play the game from behind the curtain.