Cusat syndicate meeting called off after altercation

Members irked over decision to record session

A Syndicate meet of the Cochin University of Science and Technology held here on Friday was called off after members raised a din over the Vice Chancellor’s decision to install a camera to record the proceedings.

Even though the camera was removed following the protests, the syndicate members refused to participate in the meet demanding that it should be taken out of the syndicate hall.

The syndicate members, including the deans of various faculties, later submitted a letter stating that the next syndicate meet should be convened soon without installing the camera.

Dr. Letha told

The Hindu that there is no change in the decision and explained that the move was aimed at ensuring transparency in the functioning of the highest body of the varsity.

Ms. Letha also said that the syndicate meetings in Calicut, Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi universities are recorded.

The vice chancellor recalled the decision to promote digitisation of various affairs of the varsity taken at the vice chancellor’s meet convened by the Governor P. Sathasivam on the Cochin University campus in October.

Moreover, the statutes give the vice chancellor the powers to decide on how to conduct the syndicate proceedings.

The syndicate members led by K.M. Shaji, MLA, alleged that the decision to install the camera was taken by the vice chancellor unilaterally and not taking the syndicate in to confidence.