The Governor as Chancellor: A Flashpoint in Centre-State Relations
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity & Governance (The role and powers of the Governor, Centre-State Relations, Assent to Bills - Article 200, Education as a Concurrent List subject).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure (Governor's role as a point of friction); Role of education in governance.
Essay: Topics related to federalism, education, or the role of constitutional posts.
Key Highlights from the News
Main Issue: The Governor's role as Chancellor of state universities has become a major area of conflict between Governors and elected state governments.
Recent Examples:
Tamil Nadu: Governor R.N. Ravi's indefinite delay in approving university-related bills led to Supreme Court criticism. The court ruled against the Governor's "de-facto veto" power over bills.
Kerala: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's ideological directives to universities and former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's withholding of bills caused major controversies.
Historical Background:
The practice of making the Governor the Chancellor is a colonial legacy. It was intended to give dignity and autonomy to universities.
Current Problem: Governors often act as "central proxies" and attempt to implement political and ideological agendas in the educational policies of state governments.
Policy Contradiction:
On one hand, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 suggests that universities should be given more autonomy.
On the other hand, the draft of new UGC regulations attempts to reduce the state government's role in Vice-Chancellor appointments and increase the Chancellor's (Governor's) power.
Article's Main Suggestion: Instead of Governors, educational professionals and experts should be appointed to head universities.
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