KOCHI: The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has been ‘extremely callous’ in retaining the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accreditation of colleges under it.
The University authorities also miserably failed to ‘adequately respond’ to the ICAR’s directive, even after the accreditation of the College of Cooperation and Banking, under the university, was suspended a year ago, triggering an uproar in the academic circles.
Last year, the ICAR had set a six-month deadline for the KAU to amend the Kerala Agricultural University Act in tune with the ICAR Model Act, to continue the accreditation enjoyed by five other colleges under the University.
However,the authorities failed to respond to the ICAR’s suggestion, and the sorry state academic affairs prevailing at the University bear testimony to the callousness of various government agencies, including the State Cabinet.
“What is more, even as the University has notified admission to various courses, including five-year integrated courses in Climate Change Adaptation and Biotechnology; BSc (Hons) Cooperation, Banking and Management; and diploma courses in Agricultural Sciences and Organic Agriculture, in the beginning of the current academic year, the University is maintaining a studied silence on matters related to retaining the ICAR accreditation of colleges under it.
“Losing the accreditation would result in a drain of research funds,” alleged a section of the faculties.
Speaking to ‘Express’, Kerala Agricultural University Vice-chancellor Dr P Rajendran said, “we have written to the State Government detailing the gravity of the issue, as the Cabinet is legally bound to amend the KAU Act in tune with the ICAR Model Act.
“But, the government is dragging its feet in amending the Act. Besides, the University could not pass a unanimous resolution, seeking steps to retain the accreditation of colleges under it, due to the political interest of certain organisations and unions.
“We will list the items in the agenda at the next senate/syndicate meetings in order to find a solution for the issue” he said.