Interviews for the esteemed positions of Vice-Chancellor at both APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Digital University Kerala (DUK) are scheduled to commence on October 8th in Thiruvananthapuram. These pivotal selection processes will be overseen by dedicated search-cum-selection committees, established under the directives of the Supreme Court.
Led by former Supreme Court judge Sudhanshu Dhulia, these committees are responsible for ensuring a thorough and fair selection. Candidates vying for the KTU Vice-Chancellor role will be interviewed on October 8th and 9th, while those applying for DUK’s top academic position will have their interviews on October 10th and 11th. It’s understood that the Higher Education department has already notified approximately 60 hopefuls to participate in these sessions.
Each of these important committees consists of four members, with two appointed by the State government and two by the Chancellor, ensuring a balanced representation in the selection panels. The Supreme Court’s mandate specifies that the committees’ recommendations must be forwarded to the Chief Minister, who will then propose the shortlisted candidates in a particular order of preference within two weeks. While the Chancellor is expected to adhere to this order for appointments, they also retain the right to voice any reservations regarding the empaneled individuals. Should any disagreements arise, the Supreme Court will have the final say.