The Hindu : No need to quit, says Soopy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 17, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

No need to quit, says Soopy

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN. 16. The Education Minister, Nalakath Soopy, has denied allegations of corruption in the issue of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for B.Ed. colleges in the State. At a press conference here today, the Minister said the allegations against him were ``politically motivated''. He said he would not resign over these charges.

He recalled that his predecessor, P.J. Joseph, had not resigned even though the High Court had made strictures against him over a similar issue. Mr. Soopy said there was considerable pressure for the issue of NOCs. He had directed the issue of NOCs over and above those approved by the Cabinet subject to ratification by the Cabinet. He was convinced that the applicants who were granted NOCs had the required qualifications. Their applications had been recommended by an expert committee (consisting of officials). He said the Cabinet had directed withdrawal of all but 64 NOCs because there were definite complaints. There were also legal reasons. The Advocate-General had recommended against their inclusion in the list.

He said the Chief Minister had told him to issue NOCs to five more colleges in addition to the 75 approved by the Cabinet, subject to ratification by the Cabinet. He issued 21 additional NOCs instead, expecting ratification as the applicants had merit. Asked about some Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders themselves challenging the issue of NOCs in court, the Minister quipped that anyone could go to court.

He said there was no plan to reduce the teacher-student ratio in schools.

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