Frequent transfers of higher education secretaries i Tamil Nadu cause concern

In July 2023, D. Karthikeyan was transferred from the department and replaced by A. Karthik. Subsequently, the School Education Secretary held additional charge for a few days. Pradeep Yadav followed, and then K. Gopal was appointed, succeeded by Mr. Samayamoorthy. Now, within months, Mr. Samayamoorthy has been replaced by Mr. Shankar.

The frequent change of leadership has left teachers’ associations discontented. S. Suresh, president of the Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association, said a secretary should serve for at least a year to effectively address issues.

K. Raja, general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, noted that the government has made no progress in streamlining fees charged by aided colleges, despite forming a committee for the purpose four years ago. “None of the secretaries have made any effort,” he said. “A secretary should stay at least a year to understand and address the issues.”

He pointed out the Higher Education Secretary also serves as the convenor committee chairman for several universities in the absence of appointed Vice-Chancellors. “In the past five years, none of the Higher Education Secretaries have functioned effectively. Many have held the position, but few have served the department meaningfully.”

He added that the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits have not been disbursed since 2021. “The problem is not a lack of awareness, but lack of execution,” he said.

The fee fixation committee, chaired by retired judge K.N. Basha and formed in 2021, has yet to see its recommendations implemented. The government is also yet to release course fee details for the 2025–26 academic year. “We have submitted several amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges Regulation Act, but they have not been taken up,” Mr. Raja added.

C. Murugan, president of the Madras University Teachers Association, said successive secretaries have failed to secure grants for the university. Retirement benefits for university employees have been pending since 2017. “Both teaching and non-teaching staff are under pressure,” he said.

He also raised concerns about delays in the university’s free education scheme. “Around 900 students have applied. We were asked to conduct online interviews, but the meeting scheduled for Monday was postponed. Students are expected to join by the end of June. It’s disheartening to see their hopes dashed,” he said. “I am a member of the committee, and seeing their dejected faces is painful.”