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. The bill, which was reserved by Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose for the President’s consideration in April 2024, has been a subject of controversy, with the BJP and other critics raising concerns about potential political interference in the education system.
The West Bengal government had introduced the bill with the intention of conferring the role of Chancellor on the Chief Minister, citing the need for more effective governance and administration of state-run universities. However, the move was met with resistance from various quarters, including the opposition parties, academics, and educationists, who argued that the change would compromise the autonomy of universities and lead to increased political interference.
The Governor’s decision to reserve the bill for the President’s consideration was seen as a move to ensure that the legislation was scrutinized at the highest level, given its potential implications for the education sector. The President’s rejection of the bill is a significant development, as it underscores the importance of maintaining the independence and autonomy of universities, free from political influence.
The BJP, which has been vocal in its opposition to the bill, welcomed the President’s decision, stating that it was a victory for the autonomy of universities and a setback for the West Bengal government’s attempts to politicize the education system. The party had argued that the bill was a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power and undermine the existing governance structure of universities, which has been in place for decades.
Critics of the bill had also pointed out that the move would have far-reaching consequences, including the potential for political appointments to key positions in universities, such as vice-chancellors and faculty members. This, they argued, would compromise the academic integrity and standards of universities, and undermine the quality of education provided to students.
The West Bengal government, on the other hand, had maintained that the bill was aimed at streamlining the governance of universities and ensuring more effective administration. The government had argued that the Chief Minister, as the Chancellor, would be better equipped to provide leadership and vision to the universities, and ensure that they are aligned with the state’s development goals.
However, the President’s rejection of the bill suggests that these arguments did not find favor, and that the concerns about political interference and the potential compromise of university autonomy were deemed to be more significant. The decision is likely to be seen as a setback for the West Bengal government, which had pushed hard for the passage of the bill.
The development is also likely to have implications for other states, where similar attempts to confer the role of Chancellor on the Chief Minister have been made. The President’s rejection of the West Bengal bill sends a strong signal about the importance of maintaining the autonomy of universities and ensuring that they are free from political influence.
In conclusion, the President’s rejection of the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is a significant development that underscores the importance of maintaining the autonomy and independence of universities. The decision is a victory for the academic community and a setback for attempts to politicize the education system. As the country moves forward, it is essential that the governance of universities is guided by the principles of autonomy, academic freedom, and merit, rather than political expediency.
News source: https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2000530778275618943
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