The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday when workers of the Youth Congress and Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) barged into the main building and attempted to gherao the registrar. They also tried to disrupt normal functioning of the university by raising slogans.
The agitators said they were protesting against the Registrar-in-charge K. Shajan for finding as invalid two sets of nominations submitted by Hybi Eden, MLA, to get elected to the selection committee for the new Vice-Chancellor. Pro Vice-Chancellor K. Poulose Jacob intervened when the protesters started raising slogans by sitting in front of the Registrar’s chamber.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor said both the sets of nominations of Mr Eden were later found valid as per the university rules. Based on his assurance, the agitators dispersed. Talking to The Hindu , Mr Eden said he filed his nomination as permitted by the Congress leadership.
He said he had every right to contest and become a member as he represents MLAs of the State in the Syndicate. The other MLA in the Syndicate is K.A. Shaji from Azheekode.
The Vice-Chancellor post turned vacant after the retirement of Ramachandran Thekkedath from the post last month.
The new Vice-Chancellor will be selected by a three-member committee. The Syndicate would have to elect a member for the panel. Other than Mr Eden, another Syndicate member filed nominations on Tuesday, it is learnt. The other members of the panel will be a government official and a UGC nominee.
