THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University Vice-Chancellor P K Radhakrishnan’s decision to reappoint his private secretary P N Shaji to the same post on a six month contract, immediately after his retirement on October 31, has kicked up a row. The six-month contractual appointment was given to Shaji, who retired as Joint Registrar (Finance), by the Vice Chancellor when his own term of office is slated to expire over the next four months.
UDF-backed Syndicate member B S Jyothikumar flayed the decision and said it amounted to insulting deserving senior officers in the university. “Such an appointment is unprecedented in the history of the university. The Vice-Chancellor can choose among the senior staff in the university instead of opting for contractual appointment,” he added.“It is a serious matter that a contractual staff will be given access to sensitive documents in the Vice-Chancellor’s office,” Jyothikumar said. He alleged the move had the tacit approval of Left-affiliated Syndicate members.
According to the order for reappointment accessed by ‘Express’, the decision has been taken as a “mark of respect for the meritorious services rendered by Shaji as the private secretary to the Vice-Chancellor for about five years”. It said the appointment was essential “for maintaining continuity and consistency in the functioning of the present Vice-Chancellor until his tenure is completed.”
A monthly remuneration of Rs 14,000 will be provided to Shaji, in addition to his monthly pension, the order said. The Vice-Chancellor’s office had earlier issued a statement justifying the appointment. “ The Syndicate has laid down clear terms and conditions for appointment of retired staff on contract basis. Such terms and conditions have been followed in this appointment too,” the VC’s office said.