The Save University Campaign Committee claimed the government amended qualifications, bypassing AICTE guidelines, to benefit Arun Kumar, son of former Kerala CM and CPI(M) leader VS Achuthanandan.
Published Oct 08, 2024 | 9:57 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2024 | 12:25 PM
VA Arunkumar embroiled in IHRD director qualification controversy
VA Arun Kumar, the son of former Kerala chief minister and senior CPI(M) leader VS Achuthanandan, is at the centre of a growing controversy regarding the qualifications required for the director of the Institute of Human Resource Development (IHRD).
The upcoming interview for this significant position, equivalent to that of the State Technical Education Director, is set to take place on 9 October, at Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Save University Campaign Committee has raised concerns over the government’s recent decision to relax the qualification requirements for the director’s role, submitting a petition to both the chief minister and the minister of Higher Education.
The committee has called for the immediate cancellation of the government order that allowed these modifications and has requested a postponement of the interview process.
The qualifications for the IHRD director position, as outlined under the IHRD Act, traditionally include a Postgraduate degree in Engineering, 15 years of teaching experience, the ability to guide PhD candidates, and a proven track record of guiding two doctoral students, in accordance with the norms set by the Indian Institute of Technical Education (IICTE).
However, the recent order introduced an additional requirement of seven years of director-level experience, which was not previously mandated.
Adding to the controversy, Arun Kumar does not possess the prescribed engineering degree; instead, he holds a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) degree, it is alleged.
He was allegedly appointed as an assistant director in IHRD during the Nayanar government in 1997 and has held various positions within the organisation, including Managing Director of CAIRFED from 1999 to 2001 and Joint Director at IHRD in 2008.
Notably, a previous attempt to appoint him as the director of the newly formed ICT Academy in 2010 was scrapped amid public outcry.
In 2016, Dr P Suresh Kumar was appointed as the IHRD Director, while Arun Kumar served as Additional Director. Following Dr Suresh Kumar’s deputation to another role in May 2023, Arun Kumar assumed the interim charge of Director in June 2023.
Allegations surfaced suggesting that Arun Kumar unilaterally relaxed the qualification criteria without the requisite approval from the IHRD’s governing body.
A controversial amendment to the special rule was reportedly enacted based on a letter sent to the government in November 2023, which has been described as a significant procedural lapse.
The amendment was signed by the Additional Secretary rather than the Higher Education Secretary, raising further questions about its legitimacy.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
