Thiruvananthapuram: Amid mixed reactions from stakeholders and academics, Save University Campaign Committee has come out in support of the state govt’s decision to convert College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) into a constituent college of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.The committee also welcomed the decision to convert Govt Medical College, Thrissur, into a constituent college of Kerala University of Health Sciences. It submitted a representation to chief minister and higher education minister seeking a similar move to convert University College, Thiruvananthapuram, into a constituent college of the University of Kerala.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the committee alleged that opposition to the conversion of CET was politically motivated and driven by vested interests. It claimed that those opposing the move wanted CET to be granted autonomous status and brought under the control of Left -affiliated students’ and teachers’ organisations, following what it termed the ‘Maharaja’s College model’.The committee dismissed concerns over the service conditions of existing teachers and non-teaching employees. It said employees could be given the option to continue under the Directorate of Technical Education or move to the university, while deputation arrangements could also be used to address their concerns.Teachers opting to enter university service could benefit from greater academic opportunities and a higher retirement age, the committee said.According to the committee, the conversion could be implemented without compromising CET’s legacy, identity or academic standards. Becoming a direct constituent of the university would enable the institution to access more resources and achieve higher standards of academic excellence, it added.The committee said it was unfortunate that ‘unnecessary controversies’ were being created to derail measures intended to improve the quality of higher education in the state.
