Two key statutory posts at the University of Kerala, that of the Controller of Examinations and of the Finance Officer, have been remaining vacant for months. The responsibilities associated with the post have now been overseen by other officers who have been given additional charges.
The post of the Controller of Examinations has remained vacant since the retirement of K. Madhukumar seven months ago and that of the Finance Officer for nearly a year.
The delay in full-time appointment is attributed to the long-drawn process associated with the constitution of the Syndicate that came to being a month ago. While the university had notified the vacancies and invited applications for the posts three months ago, little headway has been made in the appointment process.
The scenario existed when the examination process in the university has come under intense scrutiny. Bringing the integrity of the examination system under a cloud, answer sheets had been recovered from the house of a student of University College. The controversy prompted the university to overhaul its examination system.
During this period, several answer scripts sent for valuation were reported missing. Worsening its woes, the university also came under criticism for scheduling the fourth-semester examinations of postgraduate courses without adequate planning.
Postponing exams
Concerns have also been raised about the lenient stance adopted towards demands by students for postponing examinations. This approach is viewed as detrimental to the efforts made during the past few years to end examination backlogs and delays.
According to sources, the selection process has been put on hold in view of the model code of conduct that is in force. The process is likely to commence during the next Syndicate meeting scheduled for October 30. A selection panel will be tasked with shortlisting the candidates, following which a final decision will be made by the Syndicate.
