Bill to amend rules that disqualified deaf-mute, those with leprosy from holding positions of authority in University of Madras

Tamil Nadu government tables Bill to end discrimination against deaf-mute, leprosy-affected individuals in University of Madras.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday tabled a Bill in the Assembly that sought to amend relevant rules that disqualified deaf-mute and those with leprosy from holding positions of authority in the University of Madras. The Bill is expected to be taken up for consideration on Tuesday.

Minister for Higher Education Govi. Chezhiaan moved the Bill which said that the Union Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Social Justice and Empowerment have requested States to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.

As per the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it was the “mandate of the government to ensure removing all sorts of discrimination against persons with disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunity in all walks of life in the society”, the Bill said.

Private Universities Act

Another Bill tabled by the Minister sought to amend the Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act, 2019 to include eight private universities in the Schedule, in line with the suggestions of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Though the State government had earlier notified these eight private universities through notifications, the UGC said a university could be established either by the Act of the Parliament or by the Act of the State Legislature.

The UGC had further said that the amendment to the Schedule should be made by an Act of the State Legislature and not by issue of notification by the State government and hence the Bill.