COIMBATORE: Even as the tussle continues between the management and a section of faculty and students at Avinashilingam University for Women, P R Krishnakumar, managing director of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, has taken charge as its new Chancellor on Monday. The University, which had been closed indefinitely, reopened on Monday and students appeared for their exams.
Premavathy Vijayan, Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of the University said, “We have around 4,500 UG and PG students studying in the University and almost all of them have appeared for the second monthly exam being held on Monday. Only very few students, who wanted the test to be postponed, have not appeared.”
She also said that most faculty members returned to duty, barring a few who were on leave for personal reasons. “There will be no more indefinite closure of the institution in the future,” she added.
When asked if the issues between the faculty members and management were resolved, she said, “The new Chancellor Krishnakumar has agreed to meet the protesting faculty members and resolve the ongoing issues. The Chancellor was selected by the Avinashilingam Trust. The MHRD and UGC will now constitute the Vice-Chancellor search committee and applications for the post will be invited thereafter.”
Meanwhile, B Nalini, general secretary of Avinashilingam University Teaching and Non Teaching Staff Welfare Association said, “All the problems have not yet been resolved. As staff members are very much interested in the welfare of the students, they have returned to their work.”