Kannur University claims no UGC guideline violated in Priya Varghese appointment, but won’t appeal HC verdict

VC provides details

University Vice-Chancellor Gopinath Ravindran told reporters that legal opinions were sought before the appointment of Priya to the crucial faculty post.

According to him, a clarification from the UGC regarding her qualification was sought by the university in the very beginning, but a reply was yet to be received from it.

He said the issue would not have worsened if the UGC had promptly replied to the clarification that was sought.

“​We sought UGC’s clarification on whether the period spent by ​Priya for the PhD research on deputation provided by the state’s higher education department under its Faculty Development Programme (FDP) be considered as relevant teaching research experience for direct appointment to the post of associate professor,” Ravindran said.

VC reacts to HC order

Kannur university vice chancellor Gopinath Ravindran. Photo: Supplied.

​In its order, the high court observed that Priya did not possess the relevant period of actual teaching experience mandated by the UGC Regulations of 2018.

Even while observing that her services as NSS Coordinator and Director of Student Services (DSS) at the university and the time she spent in research work would be advantageous for her promotion and growth as a better teacher, the court said that they, by themselves, would not be sufficient in the absence of UGC stipulated experience in teaching.

​Ravindran said the university would undertake further action on the high court verdict after obtaining a copy of the detailed judgment​.

He added that the court order would have a far-reaching impact on the whole academic field in the country, and would significantly set back the academic faculty who go for research under FDP.​

Asked why the university would not go for an appeal, he said such an action would be expensive and time-consuming.

Ravindran also said the university would thoroughly review the rank list as directed by the court, and those in the first three positions would be considered for filling the post.

The political row

Priya’s proposed appointment triggered a massive political row as she had the lowest research score but the highest in the interview round and was declared first in the selection process.

​Meanwhile, Priya’s response to the row through Facebook became a subject of public debate.

“My relationship with Ragesh is not as that of a father-daughter one. We just decided to live together and signed a deed in that respect. Both sides can end the deal at any point in time, and if that happens, the scope to prop up stories portraying me as the wife of a top official at the CMO will end there,” she commented on Facebook.

Priya Varghese’s appointment in Kannur University has led to an open clash between the LDF government and Governor Khan. (Supplied)

“Priya Varghese is an individual who has nothing to be sad about the whole development. I’m not getting money from any emporer. My paymaster is the Kerala government. As a person who joined the service as an assistant professor 10 years ago, I don’t need any new appointment to become an associate professor. I will make it to the post one day if I am alive. What thrills me in this game is that I enjoy scratching those boisterous people from the good olden days,” she wrote.

“I was the only woman candidate on the rank list. There are many women professors in Kannur itself whom I respect a lot, like Dr R Rajashree or Dr Jisa Joseph. I think I was shortlisted, maybe, because they didn’t apply for the post. This is all Priya Varghese as an individual has to say in the matter,” her FB post ​said.