Kerala’s Former Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has expressed strong opposition to the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s move to convert the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (CET), and Government Medical College, Thrissur, into constituent colleges of universities.

She warned that the proposal could have far-reaching implications for higher education in the State.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Bindu explained that while universities presently exercise authority only over the academic affairs of government and aided affiliated colleges, granting constituent college status would provide the universities wider administrative powers, including authority over faculty appointments, introduction of new academic programmes, and other day-to-day administrative matters.

She recalled that the Shyam B. Menon-chaired Commission for Reforms in Higher Education, constituted by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, had recommended the establishment of constituent colleges in Kerala.

However, the State government had then decided against granting constituent status to affiliated colleges that function under various State government departments. She attributed the policy decision to contemporary developments in university governance.

According to Dr. Bindu, the decision came at a time when universities allegedly faced increasing political interference under the Chancellor’s office. She claimed that granting constituent status to CET and Thrissur Medical College would effectively place the institutions under the direct control of universities that are purportedly influenced by “Sangh Parivar interests.”

She referred to the prevailing apprehensions over the alleged interference in Vice-Chancellor appointments, academic councils, curriculum development and university administration in Kerala.

‘Saffronisation’ of higher education

The former Minister warned the move would trigger the beginning of the “saffronisation” of higher education under the UDF government. She also claimed that the proposal has raised concerns among a large number of teaching and non-teaching staff working in the two premier institutions.