41 days paid leave for Haj after 10 years : Blatant violation of rules for close associate of Education Minister

Kasargode: The Hajj holiday granted to former Registrar of Kannur University has snowballed into a controversy. KM Abdul Rasheed had sought a Hajj leave for 41 days, with loss of pay. However, records show how he managed to secure pay for the same period.

Sources indicate that “Abdul Rasheed had availed his Hajj leave from 12 December 2005 to 28 January 2006, for a period of 41 days. This was with loss of pay. According to government policies, leave is granted for foreign trips, with no special provision being allotted for Hajj trips, according to government rules. It cannot be applied thus, either.

However, after 10 years, breaching all rules and regulations, the University office issued a statement, turning Rasheed’s leave with loss of pay, into commuted leave. It was the Deputy Registrar of Kannur University Administration, who issued the order  on 13 May. While issuing the leave, he was registrar of Kannur University,” said sources.

Rasheed, who was professor in Chemistry in Farook College, was appointed Registrar of Kannur University in 2005 November. In the following month, in December, he applied for 41 days leave. However, it was informed by head of Local Funds Audit section, that since he had not completed the tenure of probation in Kannur University, he could only be granted leave with loss of pay. However, after a span of 10 years, on 7 July 2014, Rasheed filed an application seeking commuting of his leave without pay of 2005. For procuring commuted leave, a specific form as per the rules of KSR should be filled. The reason of leave should be sanctioned by Finance Officer, along with his signature. However, this has not been done in the case of Rasheed.  

Another curious matter that has surfaced is that Abdul Rasheed and education ministerAbdu Rabb were colleagues as syndicate members of Kozhikode University. Sources indicate that the proximity shared by the two is likely to be the reason for the favours extended.

The Vice Chancellor of Kannur University had a different tale, that too a bizarre one to say. “The University has only implemented the directive issued by Principal/ Principle Secretary of Education Department,” VC Abdul Mangaad is reported to have said.

Following the numerous allegations leveled against Abdul Rasheed, he is said to have been suspended from the post of Registrar. There have been contentions related to his character as well. Controversies of Rasheed having a PhD via gross misuse of his position have also cropped up.