The state government is closely monitoring developments in the higher education sectors of Maharashtra and West Bengal, where the powers of vice-chancellors in universities have either been curtailed through legislation or sidelined for political reasons.
The developments come at a time when Kerala is witnessing an extraordinary scenario of confrontation with the government over the administrative decisions of the Governor. Various possibilities were being explored to prevent administrative impasse due to refusal of Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to accept files related to state universities.
The Legislative Assembly in Maharashtra recently passed the Maharashtra Public Universities (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021, which paves the way for changes in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Thereafter, the selection committee will recommend five names for the post and the state government will shortlist two of them before submitting them to the Chancellor for appointment of one of them within 30 days. The Act also provides for a greater role for the Pro-Chancellor.
The West Bengal government, which is considering making the chief minister the chancellor of universities, introduced rules in 2019 that abolished the Chancellor’s Secretariat, and curtailed the powers of the Chancellor in electing vice-chancellors. Other opposition-ruled states, including Odisha, have also seen efforts to increase the role of the state government in higher education.
According to sources, such precedents are being observed by the state government as well as commissions appointed to recommend reforms in the higher education sector. The commission, which is expected to submit an interim report within two weeks, is likely to delve into the role of chancellor in universities.
no drastic step
Despite this, the government cannot take any drastic step. The current political situation, which requires the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to focus its energies on garnering support for the Silverline project, has made such a move impossible.
A government that has treaded carefully in handling its rift with the governor is now obliged to prioritize reconciliation over reforms to curb the Chancellor’s role.