Prez rejects WB govt’s Bill to make CM chancellor of universities
In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which aimed to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of all state-run universities. This decision comes after Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose reserved the bill for the President’s consideration in April 2024. The move has been welcomed by the BJP and other critics who had raised concerns about potential political interference in the education system.
The West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in December 2022, with the objective of amending the laws governing state-run universities in the state. The bill proposed to replace the Governor, who is currently the Chancellor of all state-run universities, with the Chief Minister. The move was seen as an attempt by the state government to exert greater control over the education system in the state.
However, the bill was met with opposition from the BJP and other critics, who argued that it would lead to political interference in the education system. They contended that the Chief Minister, as the Chancellor, would have the power to appoint vice-chancellors and influence the academic decisions of universities, which could compromise their autonomy and academic freedom. The opposition also argued that the move would undermine the role of the Governor, who is a constitutional authority, and create a conflict of interest.
Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose, who had been entrusted with the responsibility of deciding on the bill, reserved it for the President’s consideration in April 2024. The Governor’s decision was seen as a significant move, as it allowed the President to examine the bill and its implications on the education system in the state.
Now, with the President’s rejection of the bill, the status quo has been maintained, and the Governor will continue to be the Chancellor of all state-run universities in West Bengal. The decision has been welcomed by the BJP and other critics, who had raised concerns about the potential consequences of the bill.
The BJP had been vocal in its opposition to the bill, arguing that it would lead to politicization of the education system and undermine the autonomy of universities. The party had also contended that the move was an attempt by the state government to consolidate power and exert control over the education system.
Other critics had also raised concerns about the bill, arguing that it would create a conflict of interest and compromise the academic freedom of universities. They had contended that the Chief Minister, as the Chancellor, would have the power to influence academic decisions and appoint vice-chancellors, which could lead to favoritism and nepotism.
The rejection of the bill is also significant, as it highlights the importance of maintaining the autonomy and academic freedom of universities. The education system in India is facing numerous challenges, including declining standards, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of funding. In this context, it is essential to ensure that universities are allowed to function independently and take decisions that are in the best interests of students and the academic community.
The decision also underscores the role of the Governor and the President in ensuring that the constitution is upheld and the interests of the state and the country are protected. The Governor’s decision to reserve the bill for the President’s consideration and the President’s subsequent rejection of the bill demonstrate the importance of constitutional checks and balances in preventing the concentration of power and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected.
In conclusion, the rejection of the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is a significant development that highlights the importance of maintaining the autonomy and academic freedom of universities. The decision is a victory for those who had raised concerns about the potential consequences of the bill and had argued that it would lead to political interference in the education system. The move also underscores the role of the Governor and the President in ensuring that the constitution is upheld and the interests of the state and the country are protected.
News Source: https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2000530778275618943
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