Kerala to set up chancellor's council

Kochi: Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam, who is also the chancellor of universities in the state, Monday called for path breaking changes to improve the overall quality of higher education in the state.

Speaking to reporters here after a meeting with vice-chancellors (VCs) of universities, Sathasivam said a chancellor's council would be set up to discuss issues in the higher education sector.

"The chancellor's council will discuss issues in the higher education sector and it would function as an effective forum for exchange of ideas," said the former chief justice of the Supreme Court.

The council would consist of the state education minister, vice-chairman of the state education council, two state government officials and the convenor would be the governor's secretary.

The new council is expected to meet once every three months and every VC was asked to submit his report during the meeting, he said.

Besides, Sathasivam said a decision was taken to set up an expert committee to select VCs.

He also asked all the VCs to ensure that examinations and the announcement of results are done in a time bound manner.

The meeting, first of its kind in recent times, also decided that the quality of education in the self financing sector be maintained at the highest level. From now on CCTV will be installed during the examination in all self financing colleges.

Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb attended the governor's meeting with the VCs.

Sathasivam, who was appointed as the governor last month, decided to act tough after issues were raised about the appointed of VCs on the basis of political affiliations.

Now, all eyes will be on the state government's reaction as a council appointed by it oversees the affairs of the universities in the state.