Reports suggest that Kerala’s higher education sector is heading into a serious crisis. The High Court has expressed concern over the absence of permanent Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in 12 out of the 13 universities in the state. Even the appointment of interim VCs is entangled in legal complications, which, according to the Court, is adversely affecting the quality of higher education.

At a time when private universities and offshore campuses of foreign universities are finding a foothold in Kerala, public universities are struggling to sustain themselves. Financial constraints, favoritism, and power tussles are weakening these institutions. It is alleged that despite the presence of qualified candidates, political interference and ego clashes are delaying permanent appointments to VC posts.

Lack of transparency in faculty appointments, irregularities in mark lists, and controversies over plagiarism are also tarnishing the credibility of universities. Due to limited employment opportunities for graduates, there is a growing trend among students to pursue higher education abroad after completing their Plus Two.

The prolonged standoff between the state government and the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the universities, continues to negatively impact the functioning of universities. Even disputes unrelated to academic matters are worsening the situation. In this context, it is being emphasized that the issues between the government and the Raj Bhavan must be resolved urgently to improve the standard of higher education and ensure effective governance in universities.