Calicut University syndicate mulls amending rules allegedly to deny Dalit lecturer becoming HoD

15 February 2023, 08:28 AM IST

Thenhipalam: The syndicate of Calicut University has decided to amend its rules allegedly to avoid appointing a Dalit faculty as the head of the department. The SC/ST commission has sought an explanation from the university on a complaint filed by the
Save University Campaign Committee.

A syndicate meeting held on Tuesday decided to make five years of experience mandatory for assistant professors to hold the office of HoD. Dr K Divya, assistant professor of Russian and Comparative Literature, has submitted a request to the vicechancellor to appoint her as HoD as per the rotation scheme.

On December 13, the syndicate decided to seek an explanation from Dr Kavya regarding the letter. However, this decision was withdrawn on December 30. The move to amend the rules taken in the latest meeting is allegedly a workaround to ensure
that Kavya is not appointed as HoD.

According to university rules, teachers can be appointed as HoD regardless of their period of service.
Amid the meeting, registrar Dr EK Satheesh placed a note, approved by the vice chancellor, stating that the denial of the post to the faculty was illegal and demanded a review of the decision.

Apparently, the registrar submitted the dissent note following the controversy that erupted after six vacancies in faculty recruitment, reserved for scheduled categories, were given to candidates belonging to other communities.
Syndicate member Dr Rasheed Ahmed also expressed dissent in the meeting stating that the move was a neglect towards the SC-ST communities.”