Shankar Mohan, Director, KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts (KRNNIVSA) at Thekkumthala in Kottayam, resigned on Saturday following students’ protest.
Shankar Mohan said his resignation was not in connection with the protests in the institute but due to the completion of his tenure as the director of the institution. However, the protesting students rejected this claim.
The students said that the strike will not end with the announcement of resignation and that all the issues raised should be resolved and they will continue with the strike till then.
The students of KRNNIVSA launched an indefinite strike on December 5, 2022 demanding the ouster of the director alleging him of caste discrimination and undermining reservation norms in the students’ admission process.
Meanwhile, the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the government to investigate the complaint raised by the students against the director of KRNNIVSA had submitted a report to the Chief Minister the other day.
It is indicated that the two-member committee has submitted a report to the government stating that there is substance in the complaints raised by the students and employees.
Kerala Government had earlier constituted a committee consisting of former Chief Secretary K Jayakumar and former Legislative Assembly Secretary NK Jayakumar to enquire into the complaints raised by the students.
Noted film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who is also the chairman of the institute, came forward earlier in support of Shankar Mohan. Adoor has come under severe criticism for supporting Shankar Mohan.