Stalin questions how Centre can appoint Chancellor when universities are funded by State

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin advocates for state control over higher education, emphasizing knowledge over wealth and social equality.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday questioned how a person appointed by the Union government (the Governor) could hold the post of Chancellor of State universities when it was the Tamil Nadu government that was spending on the education of students — from school to college.

Since the State government was disbursing funds to develop infrastructure and academic standards in colleges and universities and paying the salaries of lecturers, the post of Chancellor should be held by the Chief Minister, who is elected by the people, Mr. Stalin said. “Till we win the State’s rights over higher education, the legal and political struggles will continue,” he added.

Inaugurating the ‘Tirumathi Lakshmi Valar Tamil’ Library at Alagappa University in Karaikudi, donated by Congress veteran P. Chidambaram in memory of his mother, Mr. Stalin advised students to pursue knowledge instead of wealth.

He said the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai; Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai; and the upcoming Periyar Library in Coimbatore could be utilised to further their knowledge.

Mr. Stalin invited the people of Tamil Nadu to stand against the forces that were trying to appropriate figures such as Tiruvalluvar and Vallalar, who had advocated for social equality.

He also appealed to members of the public to start libraries at their villages and towns in their capacities. “Those who cannot afford [to open] a library can open a study centre, providing a space to those interested in reading books,” he added.

“More government arts and science colleges have been opened in the State in the last three years alone. Additionally, a grant of ₹7,500 per month is provided to students who appear for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, and ₹25,000 per month to those appearing for the Civil Services (Main) Examination. They have proved to be of great help to underprivileged students,” he added.