The power struggle at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) appears to be escalating, with Vice-Chancellor in-charge K. Sivaprasad reversing the suspension of a section officer. The employee, who leads the Congress-backed employees’ union, had been suspended by the Left-dominated Syndicate on charges of misappropriating funds.
The Vice-Chancellor had issued orders on Wednesday to revoke the suspension of Praveen R., the president of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Staff Organisation, and reinstate him into service.
Suspension from service
Disciplinary action had been taken against him after it was discovered that he had received an excess amount of ₹2,30,297 from his Provident Fund account as non-refundable advance. He was subsequently served a memo seeking an explanation “as to why the error was not brought to the notice of the authorities”. Later, he repaid the amount of ₹2,52,098, including interest. A further sum of ₹6,141 was also deposited as penal interest.
Nonetheless, he was suspended from service with effect from November 17, 2023, for alleged misconduct, on the basis of recommendations from a committee formed by the Syndicate.
In his reinstatement order, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the findings of an audit report by the Principal Accountant General, Kerala, which attributed the error to issues within the university that led to irregular transactions, while disregarding the inquiry report.
Invoking special powers under Section 14(5) of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act, Prof. Sivaprasad reinstated the employee, bypassing the Syndicate’s earlier decision.
The move drew sharp criticism from the Syndicate, which questioned the legal validity of the move. The members claimed that only the Syndicate, as the appointing authority, has the power to adopt such decisions under the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1960. They also raised concerns about the Vice-Chancellor’s reliance on an audit agency’s preliminary findings rather than those from the university’s internal inquiry.
Under such circumstances, the Vice-Chancellor could be held responsible for any losses incurred due to the fund misappropriation. The university may also consider formally informing the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the Vice-Chancellor’s employer, about these developments, a member said.
