MADURAI: The Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam in Tamil Nadu, which is an important influential association that is working for the cause of protecsting transparency and quality in higher education in the State, has today questioned the rationale behind the one year tenure extension given to Salem Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Prof.Jagannathan by Tamil Nadu Governor Mr.R.N.Ravi a few days back.
“Salem Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Mr.Jagannathan’s tenure had ended on June 30th. But his tenure has been extended for another one year by the Tamil Nadu Governor till May 19th 2025. Against this VC, there are charges like fake certificate irregularities in the appointment of assistant professors, non-observance of reservation on appointment of librarian, director of physical education and violating the rules for starting a private company called Periyar University Technology Entrepreneurship and Research Foundation (PUTER Foundation). So, Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam urges immediate cancellation of the one-year tenure extension given to Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Jagannathan,” an important press statement was issued today- on July 1st 2024.
The Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam had urged immediate formation of a Search Committee to appoint a new VC and this press release appeal was made by its coordinators Prof.R.Murali, Prof.V.Arasu, Prof.P.Sivakumar, Mr.Kanakurinji and Ms.S.Uma Maheshwari.
DISMISS THE VICE-CHANCELLOR:
The Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam had observed that as Chancellor of the university, the Governor should have dismissed the VC at the time of his arrest itself.
“But, after Prof.Jaganathan was out on bail, the Governor went to Salem and personally met the Vice-Chancellor and now he has extended the post tenure. We strongly condemn this and question why this VC is being protected and punished…..This decision will erode the confidence of students and professors in India. There are police cases pending against the Vice-Chancellor of Salem Periyar University and case pending in High Court too. The Higher Education Department Additional Secretary Mr.Ilango Henridas conducted an enquiry already and Additional Chief Secretary had directed this VC to appear in person on July 16th and giev his views regarding the prosecution in this criminal case,” the Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam coordinators had pointed out in their press statement which was received in Madurai today- July 1st 2024.
