Tue Feb 04 03:05:42 UTC 2025: ## Kannur University Contradicts Itself on PhD as Teaching Experience, Raising Questions About Appointment
**Kannur, Kerala, February 4, 2025** – Kannur University has issued a notification stating that a full-time PhD cannot be considered teaching experience, directly contradicting an earlier affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court. This revelation casts doubt on the appointment of Priya Varghese, wife of Chief Minister’s Private Secretary K.K. Ragesh, as an Associate Professor.
The October 2024 notification, recently brought to light, conflicts with the university’s previous claim that research under the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) – essentially a full-time PhD – could be counted as teaching experience. This was a key argument used to defend Ms. Varghese’s appointment.
Petitioner Dr. Joseph Skariah, who alleges violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations in Ms. Varghese’s case, plans to submit the notification to the Supreme Court as evidence of the university’s inconsistent stance. The Save University Campaign Committee has accused the university of misleading the court.
Kannur University Senate Member Shino P. Jose highlighted the discrepancy, questioning the university’s application of different rules: one for Ms. Varghese and another for future faculty recruits. While the new notification applies to future appointments, the university’s previous assertion supported Ms. Varghese’s appointment. The controversy continues to fuel debate over the legitimacy of her position.
First Piper 