Governors as Chancellors: A contentious role harming university autonomy and federal structure
The article discusses the ongoing conflicts between Governors and State governments, particularly concerning their role as Chancellors of State-run universities. Despite the Supreme Court's censure of Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi regarding delayed Bills, Governors continue to challenge State legislatures and interfere in university appointments and administration. The author argues that the Governor's office, a colonial mechanism, was retained to guard against separatist tendencies but is now being used as a political proxy with hostile ideological agendas. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes greater autonomy for institutions, suggesting that professional academic and executive heads, rather than Governors, would better serve universities.
Key Points
- Governors are increasingly clashing with State governments, particularly over their role as Chancellors of State universities, despite Supreme Court directives.
- The Governor's office, originally a colonial control mechanism, is now perceived as a political proxy used to obstruct State governments and interfere in academic autonomy.
- Governors have stalled or cancelled university appointments and refused to approve names recommended by statutory bodies, paralyzing academic institutions.
- Draft UGC regulations seek to divest State governments of their role in Vice-Chancellor selection, vesting powers in the Chancellor, which contradicts the NEP 2020's thrust for greater institutional autonomy.
- Replacing Governors with professional academic and executive heads for universities is suggested to improve governance and autonomy.
Exam Facts
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi was censured by the Supreme Court in April regarding delayed Bills.
- Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar directed State-run universities to observe a 'Partition horrors day'.
- The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) emphasizes greater autonomy for educational institutions.
- Draft UGC regulations are seeking to shift Vice-Chancellor selection powers.
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