Employees and teachers associations of Mahatma Gandhi University have opposed the move of its Syndicate to grant sanction for new colleges without allegedly adhering to prescribed norms.
In a statement issued here on Monday, Mahatma Gandhi University Employees’ Association general secretary K. Sherafudeen and president P. Padmakumar have called for a vigilance probe against the move. They have also urged the Chancellor and State government to order an inquiry into the issue.
According to them, sanction has been granted for certain colleges on the basis of documents that prove that the lands for the proposed institute have been obtained on lease. The decision has been made bypassing the stipulation set by the University Statutes that at least six hectares of land owned by the college and without any encumbrance is required for the purpose, they said. It has also been pointed out that University Grants Commission (Affiliation of Colleges by Universities) (1st Amendments) Regulation, 2012 stipulates “undisputed ownership and possession of land free from any or all encumbrances” for colleges seeking affiliation.
“The Syndicate Standing Committee on Affiliation has adopted a favourable stance towards certain managements by providing them an opportunity to ensure necessary facilities at their proposed institution as per their convenience. Such a move could lead to several unforeseen consequences,” the association leaders said.
Mr. Sherafudeen, who is also a Senate member, alleged that the decisions of the Syndicate to grant sanction to several institutes within a short span of time in an ‘unprecedented manner’ reeks of irregularities.
“With the latest development, the Syndicate has additionally sanctioned 484 courses, 79 off-campus centres and 31 engineering, arts and science and law colleges for the 2013-14 academic year. This would lead to a massive increase in the workload of the employees of the university that has remained woefully understaffed for a long time.
The Syndicate has evidently not taken into account the existing scenario while making decisions in this regard,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, the All Kerala Private College Teachers Association (AKPCTA) has demanded the re-examination of the Syndicate decision.
