Minister R. Bindu Accuses Governor Arlekar of Reneging on Assurances

Quick Summary

• Kerala’s Higher Education Minister R. Bindu accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of acting undemocratically to undermine the State government’s role in public universities.
• The Governor, who is the Chancellor of state-run universities, allegedly bypassed the State government in key appointments, including Vice-Chancellors.
• Kerala high Court had earlier upheld the State government’s role in preparing panels for Vice-chancellor selections, but the Governor reportedly acted contrary to its directives.
• Dr. Bindu alleged that institutions like Raj Bhavan are derailing research and innovation efforts for political purposes.
• Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Kerala University, Mohanan Kunnummal met wiht the Governor amidst an ongoing administrative crisis at Kerala University.

– The rift between Prof. Kunnummal and the Left-dominant Syndicate has disrupted university functioning for weeks.
– The visit may signal possible direct gubernatorial involvement in resolving this impasse moving forward.

• Prof. Kunnummal chaired a Deans’ Council meeting that decided to grant equivalency certificates to graduates of Sree Narayana Guru Open University following significant concerns about recognition affecting students’ opportunities.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations by Minister R. Bindu underscore growing friction between institutional governance and state authority over public universities in Kerala. This conflict highlights deeper challenges regarding coordination between constitutional positions such as Governors (Chancellors) and elected governments on academic management matters.

The core issue revolves around decision-making processes-especially over appointments-and whether these reflect shared governance or unilateral action under constitutional ambiguities. Disputes such as these risk casting uncertainty over higher education administration when stability is critical for fostering advancements like research and innovation within publicly funded institutions.

meanwhile, steps like granting equivalency certificates demonstrate responsiveness toward pressing student concerns amid administrative turbulence at Kerala University-a situation possibly exacerbated by persisting syndicate-led disagreements with leadership figures like prof. Mohanan Kunnummal.

Moving ahead, mechanisms ensuring productive collaboration between institutional stakeholders may prevent prolonged crises affecting academic progress across Kerala’s higher education landscape.Read more: Published – july 31, 2025 07:52 pm IST