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 is seen as a major setback for the West Bengal government, which had been pushing for the amendment to give the Chief Minister more control over the state’s education system.
The West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was reserved by Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose for the President’s consideration in April 2024. The Bill had been passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in December 2022, with the aim of amending the existing laws governing state-run universities. The amendment sought to replace the Governor, who is currently the Chancellor of all state-run universities, with the Chief Minister.
The move to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of state-run universities had been met with criticism from various quarters, including the BJP and other opposition parties. Critics had argued that the move would lead to increased political interference in the education system, which could compromise the autonomy of universities and undermine the quality of education.
The BJP, in particular, had been vocal in its opposition to the Bill, with party leaders arguing that the move was an attempt by the Trinamool Congress government to exert greater control over the education system and use it as a tool for political patronage. The party had also raised concerns about the potential impact on the academic freedom of universities and the ability of educators to pursue research and teaching without fear of political interference.
Other critics had also pointed out that the move would be in contravention of the principles of academic autonomy and the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the autonomy of universities and ensuring that they are free from political interference.
The rejection of the Bill by the President is seen as a significant victory for those who had been opposing the move. It is expected to have far-reaching implications for the education system in West Bengal and could set a precedent for other states that may be considering similar amendments.
The West Bengal government had argued that the move was necessary to ensure that the state’s universities were better aligned with the government’s priorities and policies. However, critics had countered that the move was motivated by a desire to exert greater control over the education system and use it as a tool for political patronage.
The issue of political interference in the education system is a sensitive one, and the rejection of the Bill is likely to be seen as a significant blow to the West Bengal government’s efforts to exert greater control over the state’s universities. The move is also likely to have implications for the relationship between the state government and the Governor, who has been at odds with the government over various issues in recent months.
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the increasing politicization of the education system in India. The issue has been the subject of much debate and discussion, with many arguing that the education system should be free from political interference and that universities should be allowed to function autonomously.
The rejection of the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is a significant development in this context. It sends a strong message that the education system should be free from political interference and that universities should be allowed to function autonomously. The move is also likely to have implications for other states that may be considering similar amendments, and could set a precedent for the protection of academic autonomy and the prevention of political interference in the education system.
In conclusion, the rejection of the West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is a significant development that is likely to have far-reaching implications for the education system in West Bengal and beyond. The move is a victory for those who had been opposing the move and is seen as a significant blow to the West Bengal government’s efforts to exert greater control over the state’s universities. The issue of political interference in the education system is a sensitive one, and the rejection of the Bill is likely to be seen as a significant step towards protecting the autonomy of universities and preventing political interference in the education system.
News source: https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2000530778275618943
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