The Kannada Catholic Chraisthara Sangha has alleged violation of rules in the recent appointment of St. Philomena’s College Principal by the Mysore Diocesan Education Society (MDES).

In a press release, Sangha President Philomen Raj W. and Secretary M. Raphael have alleged that St. Philomena’s College, which is managed by MDES, has appointed a junior lecturer by bypassing 13 senior lecturers thus violating the norms of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Sangha has held Mysuru Bishop Rev. K.A. William, Bishop Emeritus Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly and retired Principal Fr. Leslie Moras responsible for appointing Prof. Ruth Shanthakumari as the Principal of the college by violating rules.

The release also states that all Government, aided and minority institutions should compulsorily follow 19.6, 19.7, 20.1.1  and 20.1.2 rules of the UGC while appointing the Principal besides stating that when former Principal Fr. Leslie Moras retired in 2015, only seniority was considered and Prof. M. Krishnegowda was appointed in his place, thus violating the UGC norms.

When Prof. Krishnegowda retired, 13 senior lecturers were eligible for the Principal’s post, but the MDES, keeping aside the services of seniors, formed their own rules and appointed junior lecturer Prof. Ruth Shanthakumari as the Principal, they alleged besides stating that MDES was doing injustice to youths by continuing the services of retired faculty.

MDES Secretary Clarifies

When contacted, MDES Secretary Fr. Vijay Kumar told SOM today said that as St. Philomena’s College is a minority institution, the MDES has to follow both minority and UGC rules.

Though the minority rule says that we could appoint any eligible candidate, we have appointed the candidate with Ph.D and with five years experience, which are the norms of the UGC, he added.

Fr. Vijay said that according to the Rector of St. Philomena’s College, five candidates were eligible for the Principal’s post but two of them opted out and three candidates remained in fray.

A detailed interview was conducted for the remaining three candidates after which Prof. Ruth Shanthakumari was selected as per UGC norms and hence there is no chance of violating any rules of UGC or minority, Fr. Vijay clarified and added that if there were any violations in appointing the Principal, the UGC would have taken action by now.