Employee organization opposes “illegal inspection” at KTU

APJ ABDUL KALAM Technical University Staff Organization (TUSO) accused the Ministry of Higher Education of violating the university’s autonomy by conducting unauthorized inspections on campus.

Tuso said the department had a “surprise check” on Friday by another secretary to investigate complaints from leaders of the Student Union of India (SFI) to deny his admission to his PhD. The organization claims that the examination was conducted without the knowledge or consent of the vice-chancellor.

“First known instance”

Officials allegedly recorded statements by senior university officials, including registrars. Tuso claims this is the first known instance of government officials directly questioning university personnel, bypassing the habitual process of seeking written clarification from the institution.

Tuso claims that the inspection was conducted when the governor has not yet agreed to the University Law (Amendment) Act, which would authorize the Secretary of Higher Education or appointed officials to conduct such inspections legally.

The complaint that prompted the examination was apparently filed by former syndicate member Ashiq Ibrahimkutty, whose doctoral application was denied and he allegedly failed to prove his eligibility within the deadline.

Vice President (responsible) K. Sivaprasad also filed an investigation into the allegations that the applicant threatened the Dean of the Research Institute. Tuso urged the vice president to bring the issue to the Prime Minister’s attention, thus highlighting the government’s illegal invasion of university affairs.