Ahmedabad: The appointment of an in-charge principal at St Xavier’s College in the city has triggered controversy, as the decision is being seen as a breach of government rules.

This follows a recent circular from the higher education department mandating that the charge of principal at any grant-in-aid college must be entrusted only to a senior professor from such an institution. However, it is alleged that St Xavier’s College, which is affiliated with Gujarat University, handed over the responsibility to the head of its self-financed wing, overlooking senior professors from its grant-in-aid section.

The Gujarat Pradesh Youth Congress has formally complained to the higher education department and the governor, alleging that the appointment directly violates government guidelines. The complaint noted that the in-charge principal has been signing salary bills, issuing official communications, and using the letterhead of the grant-in-aid institution — powers reserved for a duly appointed principal under the rules. The Youth Congress has demanded the immediate appointment of a full-time principal and strict departmental action to ensure compliance with the directive. DeshGujarat