In a recent development, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has issued a directive to the State government regarding the posting of Ciza Thomas, who is the Vice-Chancellor in charge of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). According to the directive, Thomas is to be posted in Thiruvananthapuram district. This decision comes after Thomas was suspended from her duties by the KTU Syndicate for alleged administrative irregularities. The KAT’s intervention in the matter highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Thomas’ suspension and its impact on the administration of the prestigious university.
Recently, Dr. Ciza was removed from her position as Senior Joint Director of the Technical Education Directorate, and former KTU Vice-Chancellor Rajasree M.S. was appointed in her place. However, Dr. Ciza has submitted a plea to the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) seeking directives to set aside the government’s order and retain her in her previous role.
The KAT has issued an interim order directing the State government to accommodate Dr. Ciza in a suitable post in Thiruvananthapuram district, where she is set to retire from service on March 31. The Principal Bench of the tribunal, comprising judicial member P.V. Asha and administrative member P.K. Kesavan, made this decision after considering the fact that Dr. Ciza is nearing retirement and her removal from her previous position was allegedly influenced by ulterior motives.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Ciza’s removal and subsequent plea to the KAT highlights the ongoing tensions within the administration of the Technical Education Directorate and the KTU. The KAT’s intervention in the matter underscores the importance of ensuring fair and transparent administrative practices in government institutions.
Dr. Ciza has alleged that some officials were attempting to post her to a northern district in order to prevent her from carrying out the additional duties and functions of the KTU Vice-Chancellor. She also argued that several key duties discharged by the Senior Joint Director at the Technical Education Directorate, including admissions to B.Tech (evening courses), M.Tech, MCA, MBA etc., could be disrupted as a result of her removal.
During the hearing of her plea before the KAT, Dr. Ciza’s counsel argued that Dr. Rajasree, who was appointed in her place, could have been accommodated in any other post in the cadre of Principal or Joint Director without removing her. Moreover, the posts of Principal at the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, and Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, were currently vacant.
In response to Dr. Ciza’s allegations, the Senior government pleader Antony Mukkath appeared for the government and argued that her removal was a result of administrative exigencies and was done in the interest of the institution. However, the KAT has reserved its verdict on the matter and has directed the government to provide a suitable posting for Dr. Ciza in the meantime. The controversy surrounding the removal and posting of Dr. Ciza highlights the challenges of maintaining fair and transparent administrative practices in government institutions, particularly in the face of conflicting interests and priorities.
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