VELLORE: A retired assistant professor of Thiruvalluvar University, Dr K Sivachandrabose, has submitted a petition to Governor R N Ravi, raising concerns over his long-pending professorial promotion. The Governor had visited the university on August 19 to attend its 20th annual convocation ceremony.
Sivachandrabose began his career as a lecturer in the Department of Zoology at the University of Madras PG Extension Centre in Vellore in 2001 and continued at Thiruvalluvar University following its bifurcation in 2002.
In his letter, he stated, “I have more than 23 years of teaching experience until my retirement in June 2024. I have submitted applications many times for promotion as Associate Professor and Professor with all due documents.”
According to him, he was eligible for promotion to Associate Professor in 2010 and to Professor in 2013 under the UGC 2000 regulations, or alternatively, for Associate Professor in 2013 and Professor in 2016 under the UGC 2010 regulations.
In 2010, he filed a case in the Madras High Court, alleging that the university had not called him for an interview despite his eligibility for Associate Professorship. The case was later disposed of, reportedly owing to the absence of the university’s lawyer during proceedings.
“Many lecturers from other private and government colleges, with roughly eight years of experience, who joined Thiruvalluvar University later, were awarded the Associate Professor post. I have 23 years of experience and I am one of the founding faculty of the university. Still, I retired as an Assistant Professor,” Sivachandrabose said.
Another Associate Professor at the university confirmed that Sivachandrabose had applied for promotion four to five times, including close to his retirement in 2024.
When the TNIE contacted the university, officials were unavailable for comment till the time of going to press.