‘Surappa will not get cooperation’

MADURAI

Ruling AIADMK MLA V.V. Rajan Chellappa warned the new Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, M.K. Surappa, that he might not get cooperation from the staff and Senate of the university.

Several parties had criticised the appointment of Dr. Surappa on the ground that he hailed from Karnataka.

Mr. Chellappa, who is Madurai North MLA, said he had written to Dr. Surappa on April 10 stating that though his appointment was done through a fair process, the prevailing situation should be viewed in tandem with the sentiments of the public.

The primary function of Anna University was to facilitate affiliation to engineering colleges and work along with the Directorate of Technical Education. But he said handling the administration at the regional level could become difficult in the absence of cooperation of staff and Senate members.

Mr. Chellappa marked a copy of the letter to the Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Higher Education.

Takes charge

Meanwhile, Dr. Surappa assumed charge as Vice-Chancellor of Anna University on Thursday. “Immediately after assuming charge, he garlanded the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Aringar Anna and saint poet Tiruvalluvar on the university campus,” a release from the Registrar said.