KTU’s Change Catalyst: From Senior Joint Director of Technical Education to In-Charge Vice-Chancellor – The Journey of a Visionary Educator
The recent order by the Higher Education department to post Ciza Thomas, the in-charge Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), as the Principal of Government Engineering College (GEC), Barton Hill, has raised eyebrows in academic circles. The decision came after the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) ordered the government to provide Dr. Thomas with a posting in the district. She was removed from her previous post as senior joint director at the Directorate of Technical Education, with former KTU Vice Chancellor Rajasree M.S. replacing her in the position a week ago.
Dr. Thomas filed a plea before the KAT expressing concerns that certain officials were attempting to restrict her from fulfilling her responsibilities as KTU V-C by posting her in a northern district of Kerala. Since her appointment by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan as KTU V-C under controversial circumstances, Dr. Thomas’ relationship with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has been fraught with tension, which has had a negative impact on the functioning of the university.
The removal of Dr. Thomas as senior joint director at the Directorate of Technical Education and her subsequent posting as Principal of GEC, Barton Hill has led to speculations about the future of KTU. Dr. Thomas’ appointment as in-charge Vice Chancellor of KTU has been contentious since its inception, with accusations of political influence being levelled against her appointment. The recent developments have once again brought the focus back on the power struggle between the political establishment and the academic community in Kerala.
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