Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor A V George on Monday earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first Vice-Chancellor in the history of Kerala to be ousted from the post by the Governor, who is the Chancellor of universities in the state.
Governor Sheila Dikshit on Monday issued the order removing George from the top post on charges of misrepresenting facts in his bio-data during the VC selection process. A copy of the order will be submitted before the High Court. George’s ouster came amid a last-ditch face-saving attempt by him to resign from the post.
George arrived at Raj Bhavan on Monday morning when he knew about the move to oust him. However, the Governor refused him audience. Raj Bhavan officials soon handed over to him a copy of the removal order signed by the Governor. Earlier, George met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, but it is learnt that he failed to get any support from the government.
George alleged that his removal was part of a “political controversy”.
“A case was made against me deliberately and it was worked up meticulously to ensure my removal. I will approach the court against this (ouster) and I am confident I will get justice,” he said.
The government had earlier asked the Governor to initiate necessary action for nullifying the appointment of George, citing that his selection procedure was ‘ab-initio void’. This move came after a government inquiry found that George had wrongly stated in his bio-data that he was the head of the department of Environmental Science at the Central University in Kasargod while applying for the post of VC.