Kochi : Cochin University Teachers Association (CUTA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Syndicate’s decision to cancel the emeritus professorships of all professors who have served in the positions at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) for more than six months.
The association said 15 senior academicians, including former vice-chancellors, former heads of various departments and scientists recognised at national and international levels, had been removed from their positions without prior notice. Speaking to TOI, a senior university official said the decision to withdraw emeritus professorships was a policy matter, pointing out that several individuals had continued in the positions well beyond the conventional retirement age of 65 or 70.
CUTA said the decision, reportedly taken in the name of framing new guidelines, could adversely affect the university’s research activities. The official said such positions were normally granted for one or two years, often under UGC-funded schemes, and questioned the practice of allowing individuals to hold them for extended periods. The university had taken the decision after examining the duration of appointments and other related aspects, the official said. The official also said some emeritus professors were not actively involved in teaching, while the university needed to provide opportunities for its serving faculty members.
CUTA secretary Arun A Balakrishnan described the decision as unethical and an embarrassment to the academic community, alleging that it amounted to disrespecting eminent academicians who had been contributing to the university’s academic growth without expecting any financial benefits. It alleged that the university had disregarded their valuable contributions and academic expertise while issuing the cancellation order. It warned that the move could disrupt the academic work of several PhD scholars and affect important research projects funded by national agencies. The association also cautioned that the decision could have implications for the university’s performance in National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) assessment and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings. Urging the university authorities to reconsider the decision in the larger interests of the institution, CUTA demanded that the cancellation order be withdrawn immediately. It also sought permission for the existing emeritus professors to continue their research activities without interruption until the completion of their respective tenures. However, the official acknowledged that the presence of experienced teachers in departments could be beneficial and that their withdrawal might have some impact on students.