KOCHI: Taking an argumentative stand in defence of the government’s cause in the the Plus-II issue, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said it is he who owns the responsibility for allotting the new Plus-II batches.
“In the issue of allowing more Plus-II batches the onus lies on me. The responsibility is neither on the Education Minister nor on the sub-committee. I personally verified the files and it was done based on the need,” he told reporters here on Monday. Stating that the order is not a setback to the government, the Chief Minister opined that the court has not criticised the government and it is not a final verdict. “It is only an interim order by a Single Bench. It has not criticised the government. It has also directed to file counter-affidavit, if any, forthwith. Hence a final decision will be held in Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting. A decision to go in for an appeal will also be considered,” he said.
“The government will make the court aware of the grounds on which the admissions were made. The government will have to shell out an additional Rs 400 crore for the new batches. The interests of the students is of prime importance to the government,” he added.
While refuting allegations of corruption, Chandy said that more batches will be allowed next year to avoid complaints.
“This year the allegations were raised by those who have not received additional batches or schools. How can someone raise allegations of corruption when only guest lecturers are appointed to handle the additional batches. We care for the future of the students. Hence next year the UDF government will allow more batches considering the need and according to the norms,” he said.