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Kerala Minister Asks University VCs to Maintain Institutional Neutrality
Kerala's Universities and their role in society are coming under increasing scrutiny. Higher Education Minister Roji M John has asked that Vice-Chancellors of the Universities in the state completely stay away from active participation in events with a political colour and from taking positions that divide and polarise society. That is not at all appropriate for people working in higher education, he said. These comments are in response to the controversy regarding three Vice-Chancellors from three different universities in Kerala, taking the opportunity to attend an event organised by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and being addressed by Mohan Bhagwat in Thiruvananthapuram in June.
This has caused a lot of opposition and has led to questioning the existing limits of political neutrality and academic independence of a University and the role of a University's Head beyond public service.
Why the Kerala VC Controversy Started
The controversy has its roots in an RSS Centenary celebration that took place in Thiruvananthapuram on June 13. Vice Chancellors from Kerala University, Mahatma Gandhi University and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University were all in attendance at this event, which was addressed by Mohan Bhagwat. This was met with criticism from the Congress-led government and the opposition.
The Chief Minister V D Satheesan said that the attendance of the Vice Chancellors was a serious lapse and a breach of the dignity and responsibility of the position held. The controversy crossed limits beyond one address and an event. It became a part of the continuing debate on the role of Ideological organizations in Higher education in Kerala.
Minister Says VCs Should Not Take Polarising Stances
Roji M John’s statement shows a concern that goes beyond the incident itself and relates more specifically to the position of the Vice Chancellor. In his view, university heads need to maintain the dignity of their offices by avoiding stances that create ideological partitions.
The argument has some merit because Vice-Chancellors are not ordinary political players. They oversee universities where students and faculty with differing political and ideological views can be expected. Therefore, the minister seems to argue, the conduct of university heads can influence students’ perception of the neutrality of their institutions.
Kalady University Protest Adds Another Layer
There was also the protest by SFI at Kalady University against Vice Chancellor Ciza Thomas. It was reported that on August 13, SFI carried out a protest against shortages of adequate campus facilities. The protest turned violent, and the Vice Chancellor alleged that protesters forcibly removed her from her office. Police have initiated an inquiry.
John stated that the government welcomed oppositional protests in a democratic setting, but that the protest should not have been as violent as it was, especially because the victim was a woman.
What This Means for Kerala Universities
For university administrators, the minister’s remarks cement that senior academic administrators must be cautious when engaging in the public sphere to avoid being associated with politics or ideology. This concern also exists for students and staff. Universities thrive when academics can debate and discuss ideas with verbal or written disagreement, all while being confident the administration will not take a side.
While democratically and legally protesting is a distinguishing part of university culture, in the absence of administrative safeguards, it is easy to blur the lines between campus administration and politics, as can be seen with the administration of the Kalady University.
Final Thoughts
The controversies of the appointment of VCs in Kerala's universities highlights that this is not just another political battle. This concentrates on a major problem in higher education, that is, if persons holding offices in higher education can be actively involved in the public sphere without affecting the institutional neutrality of their position.
Minister Roji M John's comments are clear. VCs must refrain from political activities and taking public positions that are likely to create ideological divisions. The extent to which this principle will support academic neutrality or create new issues of academic freedom will be determined by how this principle is applied.
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