Varsity teachers allege foul play

[sajiv]

Say the decision is politically motivated

Allege that sub-panel did not comprise experts

Kozhikode: The decision of the Calicut University Syndicate to terminate the service of eight of its teachers from various departments was unjust and politically motivated, the members of the Calicut University Teachers' Association (CUTA) alleged at a press meet here on Friday.

According to CUTA president P. Mohanan, the syndicate subcommittee, which recommended the termination of these teachers, did not comprise any experts qualified enough to assess the credentials of the teachers.

All these teachers were appointed after an interview and verification of certificates by a five-member expert committee headed by the then Vice-Chancellor Syed Iqbal Hasnain, they said

"Ironically, the subcommittee comprising members of no substantial academic credential has now come out with a recommendation to dismiss all these teachers, who have research experience in some of the world's leading universities," Mr. Mohanan said.

Talking at the press meet, Reader at the department of Zoology K.V. Lazar and Reader at the department of Chemistry P. Raveendran, who are among those who face dismissal, said that "injustice was meted out to them in brazen violation of existing laws."

According to them, if the university is suspicious about their academic credentials, it should entrust an independent panel of experts from outside the State with an enquiry into the issue.

"Instead, scores are being settled now for mean political reasons. This has nothing to do with academic excellence."

CUTA vice president R. Surendran, who also talked at the press meet, said that they had already moved a representation to the Chancellor on this issue and were planning to go ahead with legal procedures if no favourable decision was taken by the Chancellor.