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Kerala VC Crisis Ends: How Ciza Thomas' Appointment Resolves Guv-CM Tiff

Ciza Thomas has officially started her role as Vice Chancellor of KTU, which finally ends the long-running dispute between the state's Governor and Chief Minister. She expressed relief at taking charge and urged everyone to focus on the university's future instead of past conflicts. This appointment was part of a broader deal that also settled the VC position for the Kerala Digital University. The agreement means the Supreme Court no longer needs to intervene, saving the state significant legal costs.

Key Points: Ciza Thomas Assumes KTU VC Charge Amid Kerala Governor CM Truce

  • Ciza Thomas emphasizes moving forward and correcting shortcomings at KTU
  • The appointment follows a consensus between the Governor and state government
  • A similar agreement names Saji Gopinath as Kerala Digital University VC
  • The breakthrough avoids further Supreme Court hearings and committee expenses
2 min read

Kerala CM vs Guv tiff blows over as Ciza Thomas assumes charge as KTU Vice Chancellor

Ciza Thomas takes charge as KTU VC, ending the standoff between Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar and CM Pinarayi Vijayan. A consensus was reached to avoid Supreme Court intervention.

"It hurts to hear accusations, including claims that I stole official minutes. I have not taken any minutes. - Ciza Thomas"

Thiruvananthapuram Dec 17

Ciza Thomas on Wednesday assumed charge as Vice Chancellor of the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), marking a crucial development amid the prolonged tussle between the Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the appointments.

Expressing satisfaction after taking charge, Thomas said the focus should now be on moving forward rather than revisiting past controversies.

Addressing the media, she said she was happy with the reception she received and would work in close cooperation with the government.

"There is no need to dwell on what has been lost. What matters is correcting shortcomings and taking the institution forward," she said, asserting that there had been no administrative paralysis during the period of uncertainty.

Thomas also responded emotionally to allegations levelled against her during the controversy.

"It hurts to hear accusations, including claims that I stole official minutes. I have not taken any minutes. I do not understand why I am being portrayed as a thief," she said.

Emphasising institutional primacy, she added that the KTU as an institution was far bigger than any individual, including herself.

Her assumption of office follows a breakthrough in the ongoing standoff between the Raj Bhavan and the state government.

A consensus was reached earlier this week on the appointments of Vice Chancellors at both the KTU and the Kerala Digital University.

As part of the agreement, it has been decided to appoint Saji Gopinath as Vice Chancellor of the Digital University.

The appointments will be formally communicated to the Supreme Court, where the matter is listed for hearing again on Thursday.

During an earlier hearing, the court, noting the lack of agreement between the Governor and the government, had directed a committee headed by former apex court judge, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, to submit names for Vice Chancellor appointments.

However, with the two sides now arriving at a settlement, the court is expected to take note of the consensus.

But the moot question is that had better sense prevailed before, the state exchequer could have saved precious money, as the state government had shelled out a fortune to fight the case and for the expenses of Justice Dhulia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The last paragraph says it all. Crores of public money wasted on legal battles because of ego clashes. Who will answer for this? The common man's tax money is spent while leaders play their games. Very disappointing.
A
Arjun K
It's good that the stalemate is over, but the allegations against Thomas are serious. Calling someone a thief in public is no small matter. Hope she can prove her dedication through her work now. KTU needs stability.
S
Sarah B
As an academic watching from outside, this is a classic case of institutional damage due to political interference. The Supreme Court's intervention was necessary. Hope both appointees, Thomas and Gopinath, can work independently for the students' benefit.
V
Vikram M
Kerala's model of education is praised nationally, but such public spats between constitutional heads tarnish its image. The Governor and CM must find a better way to resolve differences without dragging universities into the mud. Bhagwan kare yeh settlement tikke rahe.
M
Meera T
Thomas's emotional response is understandable. Being a woman in a high-profile position, she faces extra scrutiny and harsh criticism. Wishing her all the best. Let's hope she focuses on improving the university's research and placements now.

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