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 move has been seen as a setback for the West Bengal government, which had been pushing for the change. The Bill was reserved by Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose for the President’s consideration in April 2024, and the President’s decision has now put an end to the state government’s efforts to bring about this change.
The West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was introduced by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state, with the aim of making the Chief Minister the Chancellor of all state-run universities. The move was seen as an attempt to consolidate power and bring the education system under the direct control of the state government. However, the Bill faced opposition from various quarters, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other critics, who raised concerns about the potential for political interference in the education system.
The BJP and other critics had argued that making the Chief Minister the Chancellor of universities would lead to politicization of education and undermine the autonomy of universities. They pointed out that the Governor, as the Chancellor, is a neutral figure who can ensure that the education system is free from political interference. The critics also argued that the move would be a blow to the academic freedom of universities and would have far-reaching consequences for the education system in the state.
The Governor, Dr CV Ananda Bose, had reserved the Bill for the President’s consideration in April 2024, citing concerns about the potential impact on the education system. The Governor’s decision to reserve the Bill was seen as a move to prevent the state government from unilaterally bringing about changes to the education system. The President’s decision to reject the Bill has now vindicated the Governor’s stance and has ensured that the education system in the state will continue to be free from political interference.
The rejection of the Bill is a significant setback for the West Bengal government, which had been pushing for the change. The TMC government had argued that the Chief Minister, as the Chancellor, would be able to bring about changes to the education system and improve the quality of education in the state. However, the President’s decision has made it clear that the education system will continue to be governed by the existing laws and regulations, and that any changes will have to be made through a more consultative and transparent process.
The development has significant implications for the education system in West Bengal. The state has a long history of academic excellence, and the education system has been seen as one of the strengths of the state. The rejection of the Bill ensures that the education system will continue to be governed by the existing laws and regulations, and that the autonomy of universities will be protected. The move also sends a strong signal that the education system will not be allowed to be politicized, and that the interests of students and academics will be protected.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the politicization of education in West Bengal. The TMC government has been accused of trying to exert control over the education system, and there have been allegations of political interference in the functioning of universities. The rejection of the Bill is a significant step towards ensuring that the education system is protected from political interference and that the autonomy of universities is maintained.
The development is also significant in the context of the ongoing debate about the role of the Governor in the state. The Governor has been seen as a neutral figure who can ensure that the education system is free from political interference. The President’s decision to reject the Bill has vindicated the Governor’s stance and has made it clear that the Governor has an important role to play in protecting the interests of the state and its people.
In conclusion, the President’s decision to reject the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is a significant development that has far-reaching implications for the education system in the state. The move ensures that the education system will continue to be governed by the existing laws and regulations, and that the autonomy of universities will be protected. The rejection of the Bill is a setback for the West Bengal government, which had been pushing for the change. However, it is a significant step towards ensuring that the education system is protected from political interference and that the interests of students and academics are protected.
News source: https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2000530778275618943
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