Mon Nov 17 13:41:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Kerala Higher Education department has decided to discontinue the appointment of Senior Professors in state-run universities, citing financial constraints. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from academics who fear it will destabilize the higher education system, diminish incentives for research and mentorship, infringe on university autonomy, and weaken the pool of potential Vice-Chancellor candidates from within the state. Faculty members also express concerns about a potential two-tier system emerging and eroding academic motivation, especially considering the already long and arduous path to promotion in Kerala’s universities.

News Article:

Kerala’s Universities Face Turmoil as Senior Professor Posts Axed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, November 17, 2025 – A controversial decision by the Kerala Higher Education department to eliminate the appointment of Senior Professors in state-run universities is drawing fierce backlash from the academic community. Citing financial constraints, the government’s move has been criticized as a potential threat to the stability of Kerala’s higher education ecosystem and an infringement on university autonomy.

Academics warn that the policy will not only reduce universities to “holding zones” but also discourage ambitious research and mentorship of younger scholars. “This change strips away a crucial recognition that comes after decades of service,” stated a senior faculty member, who wished to remain anonymous.

Concerns are also mounting regarding the potential impact on leadership within the universities. Senior Professors often form the pool from which Vice-Chancellor candidates are selected. With the promotional pathway now blocked, experts warn that qualified candidates from Kerala’s universities may find themselves disadvantaged when such top posts fall vacant. This could effectively weaken the state’s own leadership pool, potentially leading to the appointment of individuals from outside the state.

Moreover, the decision has created the risk of a two-tier system within universities, as some faculty members have already been promoted to Senior Professor in previous years. Critics are calling the move a violation of natural justice. The decision also threatens to further erode academic motivation, as the climb to the top of the university teaching ladder in Kerala is already considered long and arduous.

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