West Bengal Government To Move Bill To Replace Governor With CM As Chancellor Of State Universities
NDTV
The decision evoked mixed response from the educationists, with some describing the move as an infringement on the autonomy of the educational institutions, while others stating that it would help foster better coordination between university heads and the government.
The West Bengal cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to replace the governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of state-run universities. State Education minister Bratya Basu, while addressing a press conference post a cabinet meeting, said the proposal would soon be introduced in the state assembly in the form of a bill. Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has shared an acrimonious relationship with the state government since assuming charge in Bengal, is yet to react to the development.
"Today, the state cabinet gave its consent to the proposal to make the chief minister the chancellor of all state-run universities, in the place of the governor. This proposal will soon be introduced as a bill in the Assembly, and then be made a law," Mr Basu said.
The governor, by virtue of his position, is the chancellor of all state-run universities in the state. Mr Dhankhar had recently locked horns with and the state government over appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs) of state-run varsities amid other issues.
He had alleged that vice-chancellors of "24 universities have been appointed illegally without the chancellor’s approval". In December last year, the governor had expressed anguish after chancellors and vice-chancellors of private universities skipped a meeting called by him at his official residence.
