VCs attending RSS event is unacceptable, says Minister

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John termed the participation of three university Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in an RSS program in Thiruvananthapuram attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as ‘unacceptable’.

The issue has triggered a political storm in the state.

Speaking here on Sunday (June 14), Mr. John said, “The General Assembly’s participation in events hosted by political organizations sends the wrong message to the public, especially as they are expected to discharge their academic responsibilities impartially. As VCs, they should have remained vigilant at a time when the secular character of universities was being sought to be undermined. They should have publicly expressed their regret for attending the event.”

Stating that the state government has limitations on initiating action against VCs, he said it is the Governor who appoints them. He also called on the academic community to protect the independence and autonomy of universities.

Regarding the Malayidamthuruth land dispute, he said an agreement regarding it will be signed on Monday, June 15, bringing relief to the members of the seven families facing the threat of eviction.