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Journalism of Courage
The Oommen Chandy Government8217;s decision to cancel the interviews for selecting directors of three top institutions has reportedly prompted Dr M.S. Valiathan, executive vice-president of the state8217;s Science, Technology and Environment Council, to step down.
Dr Valiathan today confirmed he had sent in the papers by post on Friday. 8216;8216;It is up to the Government to divulge the reason,8217;8217; he said. The Chief Minister8217;s Office expressed surprise at Dr Valiathan8217;s resignation and said they have not received the letter.
However, sources said he was upset over political interference in the council. The Cabinet recently decided to cancel interviews of candidates he shortlisted for the directors8217; posts in the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, National Transport Planning 038; Research Centre and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.
