Sat Apr 05 13:33:51 UTC 2025: **MGU Associate Professor Appointment Sparks Nepotism Allegations**
KOTTAYAM, April 5, 2025 – Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam is embroiled in controversy following allegations of nepotism in the appointment of an associate professor at the School of Environmental Sciences. Postgraduate and research students have launched a strike, accusing Vice-Chancellor C.T. Aravindakumar of favoring a close associate, Nibu Simon.
Simon, who assumed his post on March 27th, was selected following interviews conducted after an October 3, 2023 notification. Students allege the university amended the notification to include Life Sciences as an eligible subject, specifically to accommodate Simon, whose background is in Biotechnology and Biochemistry. They further claim the interview rank list was released only a day after Simon’s appointment, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
The students’ formal complaint to the Governor, who serves as the university’s Chancellor, cites the University Grants Commission (UGC) 2018 regulations, which mandate a minimum of eight years’ teaching experience at the assistant professor level for associate professor positions. Simon allegedly lacks this experience, his prior engagements consisting of contract appointments and fellowships. The complaint also accuses the Vice-Chancellor of violating UGC norms in forming the interview board and awarding Simon disproportionate marks.
Vice-Chancellor Aravindakumar refutes these charges, stating that Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, and the UGC permits appointments from related fields. He points out that the position was vacated by a biotechnologist and that the interview panel comprised leading scientists. He also clarifies that the UGC considers research experience alongside teaching experience when assessing eligibility. The controversy continues as students maintain their protests.
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