Governor’s appointment of Sajitha Rani as Kerala Agricultural University V-C (in-charge) sparks row

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar issued an order appointing T. Sajitha Rani as Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Dr. Sajitha Rani is currently serving as Dean, KAU College of Agriculture, Padannakkad.

While taking this decision in his capacity as KAU Chancellor, the Governor set aside the name suggested by the Kerala government. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John criticized the Lok Bhavan decision, saying the Governor acted unilaterally. Mr John described the appointment as a violation of democratic principles. The Governor said that he did not even take into account the State government’s bench while reaching the decision, adding that the government will discuss the legal course of action and decide.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique reacted to the development, saying that the government’s recommendation was made on the basis of “academic excellence”, while Lok Bhavan considered “seniority”. “The name suggested by the government was the name of a person of national and international stature. But according to Lok Bhavan, Sajitha Rani was chosen based on seniority,” Mr. Siddique said. He added that he did not want to get into “further discussions” right now.

Forum affiliated with BJP

According to the June 27 order issued by Lok Bhavan, Dr. Sajitha Rani will “exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor of KAU in addition to her normal duties” until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed for the university.

Appointment of Lok Bhavan, Dr. Sajitha Rani drew criticism for being a member of a teachers’ organization affiliated with the BJP, but Lok Bhavan sources say the decision was based on seniority. Dr. Sajitha Rani was inducted on 16 August 1993 and has over 32 years of academic experience. His area of ​​expertise is agricultural science and he received his doctorate from KAU in 2002.