Research scholars at Kerala University Library in the Report of Vice Chancellor

In his report titled "LOOKING BACK AT MY YEARS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF KERALA" Prof P.K Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kerala (24.02.2014 to 23.02.2018) states that 

It was shocking to watch that over 1500 research scholars were granted registration for doing doctoral research at the Kerala University Library as Research Centre. The University Library is headed by a non-teacher and the space available there can accommodate a maximum of 800 library users belonging to all walks of life. The research supervisors of those 1500 unfortunate research students were mostly teachers retired from service or teachers working in colleges located faraway. There was no academic environment for those research scholars like those enjoyed by scholars of University Departments. The so called research hall was used to hold political meetings and flags and hoardings were stocked in the hall. Those who acted or rather did not act to prevent such a pitiable situation cannot ever escape the responsibility for the grave situation existed there.

The full text of the report is available at Kerala University website.

A VC who was keen at implementing the UGC Regulations was not able to uphold the academic status of librarians as envisaged by UGC which is clear in black and white in its Regulations.

A communication from the UGC was received in the University, insisting the implementation of UGC Regulations on PhD and MPhil (2009) without any further delay, failing which the University had to face severe consequences. The Vice Chancellor was vehemently criticized by a section of teachers and students and they were unduly backed by the members of Syndicate. It was alleged that the Vice Chancellor implemented the UGC Regulations 2009 in an unholy haste. It was difficult to understand the logic behind the allegation that the execution of Regulations, which came into effect in 2009 all over the nation, was implemented in the University only in 2016, that too after the final warning of severe consequences. The politicking masters of the University could have seriously examined the regulations sufficiently earlier and planned its implementation after a detailed study. They slept over it years together, by misleading the students. Although I was personally portrayed as anti-student, my conscience was crystal clear. I was adamant that a student who did PhD under a retired teacher violating the UGC regulations should not be in a crisis in a later stage in the employment market. It was made obligatory by the Hon’ble Supreme Court that it is mandatory on the part of all Universities in the country to follow the UGC regulations.

The head of a university system himself revealed about the red-tapeism in the procedures 

The Syndicate as usual kept on “studying” the matter indefinitely.

Criticism is evident all through the report like the passages which appear in different pages.

Against teachers:

But a few senior teachers holding responsible positions eluded from the duties assigned to them in screening cum evaluation of applications, without realizing the fact that they worked against the interests of the University.

In the first meeting of the teachers itself, I proposed reforms including switching to evaluation of all exams by teachers who teach the course. To my surprise, only one teacher supported the idea, that has been in existence world over.

Against students: 

 The solemn function was marred by the pressure tactics adopted by a few student leaders and we were constrained to discontinue this practice after 2015.

I had clear understanding of the breakdown of administration in the hostels with a small team pretending themselves as student leaders and making innocent inmates hostile towards the authorities so as to use them for their own selfish motives. The admissions to the hostels were practically decided by those students. 

To me, democracy is a debate aiming at acceptance of ethically correct decision by the majority. If the majority stands by a decision that would go unethical and detrimental to the interest of the University, I have tried my level best to non-cooperate with it. The Vice Chancellor is not at all repenting on the false allegations and personal attacks came from the part of so called politicians and student leaders on account of his firm belief that he stood for the well being of the stakeholders of the University. 

However, a microscopic minority, snatch the leadership leaving scars in the mind of students.Many programmes that would have benefited the students in general are unsuccessful, as they are exploited by the student leaders as a platform to create annoyance and establish their ‘importance’. The performance analysis of both 3-tier Induction programme and MARC Conference have explicitly revealed this fact. It may be recalled that the prestigious convocation ceremony was abandoned in 70s for the same reason. 

Against political leadership:

The existing Act has been amended quite frequently to suit the non academic demands of political leaders for strengthening their supremacy. 

UITs, UIMs and KUCTEs are pastoral ground for vested interests. These institutions were started with no regard for the societal needs or sustainability, but for claiming credits of bringing a University institution in their respective local area. 

Against media: 

 I have felt that some of electronic media and print media, having glorious tradition of being led by veteran freedom fighters and renowned personalities, have been adopting a hostile attitude towards the University authorities by publishing false and misleading news items. For instance, the unethical and highly objectionable method of passing on untrue and delusive information by mobile phone, while the Syndicate is in session, are encouraged and published in some electronic media as ‘Breaking News’ and print media as ‘sensational news’. This is done without counter-verifying the correctness of the news items.

Against bureaucracy:

University Engineering Wing need to be gradually abolished by substituting highly competent consultants and executing works as depositary ones through the agencies such as Central PWD. 

 He also lament about the implementation of MOOCs in the University in the report:

The Vice Chancellor took active initiative in implementing SWAYAM regulations of the UGC in our University, as required in the national legislations. Its approval by the Senate has been held back by those who are ignorant of changing times. ... The fear such as reduction of work load of teachers, ignoring the diversity of courses that become available to our students, has no validity. Also they do not think of the opportunity to increase workload by offering quality courses to the students all over the world by the teachers of University of Kerala.