Thiruvananthapuram: Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister’s Private Secretary KK Ragesh, is not eligible to apply for the post of Associate Professor at Kannur University. Priya’s credentials are contained in a RTI reply to Senator Dr RK Biju. Priya received her PhD in 2019. He was the Director of Student Services at Kannur University for 2 years on deputation. In June 2021 he re-entered the teaching post at Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. In July 2021 he became Assistant Director of the Language Institute.
The Save University Campaign Committee points out that while the appointment of an Associate Professor under the UGC Act requires a PhD and 8 years of teaching experience, Priya has only one month of teaching experience after earning her PhD. In 2014, a three-judge bench of the High Court had ruled that work experience after attaining the minimum educational qualification prescribed for any post should be considered as qualification. This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court.
There were six people on the shortlist for the post of Associate Professor, including Priya. 4 have 8–13 years of teaching experience after earning a PhD. She has published numerous research papers in national and international journals. However, it is alleged that the interview board overtook them and gave Priya the first rank.
According to the affidavit submitted by Priya, she was a teacher at Kerala Varma College for 9 years from 2012 to 2021. It is alleged that this was done by covering up 3 years spent on research and 2 years on deputation at Kannur University. She was a guest lecturer at the university for 2 years. The Save University Campaign Committee has petitioned the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor to take action against those who shortlisted Priya and remove Priya from the rank list.
English Summary: K.K. Ragesh’ s wife not eligible for kannur university associate professor post
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