Protest is brewing in the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) over the Syndicate decision to hand over the temporary charge of the Registrar to Dr K Sajan.
The office bearers of the Cochin University SC/ST Employees Forum allege that Dr Sajan was given the charge of Registrar bypassing an SC candidate.
The Syndicate decision included dissent notes by I K Jayadev, a professor of Department of Economics of Maharaj’s College and Dr Mohammada Begum, the lone woman member of the syndicate.
“The decision was taken at a meeting in which not even half the strength of the 16-member syndicate were present. The decision denied the chance of a scheduled caste candidate and shows the anti-SC stance of the varsity,” said I K Jayadev,
who later boycotted the meeting to register his protest.
According to Jayadev, Dr Mavood of the School of Management Studies under CUSAT was expected to be given the charge of registrar. But a businessman who is a member of the syndicate , sabotaged the chance of Dr Mavood. This member had displayed his anti-SC attitude during previous occasions also,” Jayadev alleged.
As per norms, the university Registrar should vacate the post on completion of 56 years of age, but he can continue in service till 58, the retirement age for teaching staff.
“In the present issue, the norm regarding age has also been violated. Dr Sajan is 57 years of age. That itself is a violation. It may noted that not even a single person belonging to SC category has been appointed to a key post of University during the last 45 years. And it is not because of lack of qualified candidates,” Jayadev said, adding that they will approach the UGC against violation of norms and discrimination.
University authorities said there was nothing unusual in handing over the charge of Registrar to Dr K Sajan.
“Those who raise the allegation should note that Dr Sajan has not been appointed the Registrar. He has only been handed over the charge of Registrar,” said the university spokesperson.
Source : NewIndianExpress