Maharaja’s College continues to be revolving door for principals
KOCHI : Are Maharaja’s College’s principals a jinxed lot? On the recommendation of the director of collegiate education, Dr V S Joy, principal (special grade) has been transferred to Pattambi Sree Neelakanta Govt Sanskrit College. He is currently on leave attending a training programme.
It was in June 2022 that he took charge as principal, following the transfer of Dr V Anil. Since October 2021, the college has had four principals. “If we take into account those who were given charge when principals were on leave, the number would be over 10. Dr K Jayakumar, Dr Mathew George, Dr Mercy Joseph and Dr V Anil were all in charge for a short period of time. Now, Dr V S Joy has been added to the list,” said a lecturer, on condition of anonymity.
Those who dare to take on some vested interests in the governing council become targets, according to the lecturer. “The same was the case with the former principals. Dr Joy had been refusing to bow to the demands made by some sections and that might have worked against him.” Bitter politics forced Dr Joy to go on long leave in October last year.
There was even an incident when SFI activists locked him up in his office, along with the vice-principal, for six hours. Since taking over as principal, Dr Joy has had to tackle numerous clashes between student organisations, the fake experience certificate row and marklist case, which was blamed on a software glitch.
The frequent change of guard has adversely affected the functioning of the college. “It was thought that things were taking a turn for the best. But all has come undone,” said the lecturer.
Many of the recent principals have alleged that they didn’t feel like continuing due to frequent interference by the governing council, a professor said.