Following the change in government, a new buzz has started in university circles across Maharashtra- the possible impact of the move on the Maharashtra Public Universities Act Amendment Bill.
The bill, which was passed by the cabinet under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in December last year, comes amid strong opposition. Bharatiya Janata Party ,BJP), is pending for the final approval of the Governor. The delay had only clarified the disagreement between the state government and the governor’s office. The formation of search committees for appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) of two state universities was also stalled due to delay.
Many are now hoping that the stalled process may gain momentum with a possible end to the confrontation between the state government and the governor. “The amendments are most likely to be reversed as the BJP strongly opposed the bill,” he said. It has already decided to bring the Mumbai Metro carshed back to Aarey forest,” said the Mumbai University Senate member.
A senior SPPU official said, “It may happen, but the University Act is definitely low on the priority list as compared to the metro carshed.” However, the official said that even though a change in government may end the conflict, it will not automatically translate into quick results as a due process has to be followed.
Notably, Uday Samant, Minister of Higher and Technical Education of MVA Govt. Shiv SenaThose promoting the First Amendments are now part of the new state government under the Chief Minister. Eknath ShindeBut unless there is a division of ministries in the new government, there will be no progress on the bill. But it is definitely something to look forward to now,” said an official of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University.