Kerala Administrative Tribunal Orders Government to Fill Vacant Principal Posts in Government Colleges
The Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has directed the State government and the Directorate of Collegiate Education to make appointments to the Principal posts that have been vacant in government arts and science colleges. The order comes after months of these positions lying vacant, with some colleges being managed by teachers in temporary roles. The KAT bench, consisting of judicial member P.V. Asha and administrative member P.K. Kesavan, has ordered the government to appoint eligible candidates within a week.
The government has stated that 43 individuals have been deemed eligible for promotion to the Principal posts. They have assured that appointment orders will be issued to all eligible candidates, except for one retiree, within the given time frame. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by some of the candidates.
Currently, nearly 65 colleges are without Principals, causing disruptions in the administrative functioning of these institutions. It is worth noting that the last appointment of Principals took place in 2018. To address the situation, a department-level promotion committee finalized a list of eligible candidates in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. However, the government halted the appointment process and formed a committee to address grievances raised against the shortlisted selections. This move has faced criticism from various quarters, alleging that it seeks to favor pro-Left candidates and weaken the selection criteria.
The KAT’s order is expected to expedite the appointment process and bring much-needed stability to the management of government arts and science colleges. With eligible candidates soon filling the Principal positions, these institutions can benefit from strong leadership and streamline their operations.
This development not only marks a significant step towards filling the vacancies but also addresses the concerns raised by candidates who were found eligible for promotion. The KAT’s intervention ensures a fair and efficient process in accordance with established norms. By ordering the government to make the appointments within a week, the KAT highlights the urgency of resolving the issue.
Moving forward, it is vital for the government to prioritize the appointment process and ensure that deserving candidates are selected based on merit alone. This will help restore trust and confidence in the system while maintaining the integrity of the selection criteria. Providing competent Principals in these colleges is crucial for maintaining high academic standards and nurturing an environment of learning and growth.
The government must also address the larger issue of frequent vacancies in top administrative positions in educational institutions. Regular appointments and a well-defined process for promotions can help prevent such prolonged vacancies, ensuring the smooth functioning of these institutions.
In conclusion, the KAT’s directive to the government and the Directorate of Collegiate Education to fill the long-standing vacant Principal posts in government arts and science colleges demonstrates a commitment to resolving the issue promptly. The order emphasizes the importance of adhering to established norms and providing competent leadership in these institutions. It is now imperative for the government to act swiftly and appoint deserving candidates, thereby bringing stability to the management of these colleges and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
