The University Laws Amendment Bill 2022 was introduced in the Kerala State Assembly on Wednesday. The bill proposes to remove the governor from the post of chancellor of state universities. As the bill was introduced, the opposition spoke out against it, claiming that the bill would turn universities into government departments.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said, “We are not against removing the governor from the post of chancellor, but the option the government is suggesting will adversely affect the universities and their autonomy.” The minister also said that the Kerala Kalamandalam model is what the state government intends to bring.
He had also objected to the bill citing the UGC guidelines and the Supreme Court’s decision. He said that the mention in the Finance Memorandum that there would be no additional financial burden from the Consolidated Fund of the State if these Bills become law is not factual.
According to the amendment bill introduced in the assembly, the government will appoint an academician or eminent person of high eminence in any field of science including agriculture and veterinary science, technology, medicine, social science, humanities, literature, arts. , as Chancellor of a University of Culture, Law or Public Administration.
A Chancellor is appointed for a term of five years and the person appointed as Chancellor is eligible for reappointment for one or more terms. The Chancellor may resign from his office by giving notice in writing to the Government.
Responding to the opposition, Law Minister P Rajeev said that the points raised by the opposition are mostly political and not the content of the bill. The bill was referred to the subject committee for consideration.
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