The Governor as Chancellor: A New Arena for Centre-State Conflict in Higher Education
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Constitutional post - Governor, his powers; Centre-State Relations; Seventh Schedule; Higher Education - UGC).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, Federalism): Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Separation of powers; Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies (UGC); Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
Key Highlights from the News
The Governor informed the Supreme Court that the Chief Minister has no role in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) in universities in Kerala, which is the latest example of the power struggle between the Governor and the state government.
The Governor's position as Chancellor of state universities is not a constitutional one, but merely a statutory position granted by laws (State Acts) passed by the state legislature.
Governors are trying to assert their authority in V-C appointments by citing University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.
These disputes strengthen the allegation that Governors in opposition-ruled states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal) are acting as political agents of the Centre.
Following this power struggle, states like Punjab and West Bengal have passed laws to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of universities.
The article argues that universities should be led by distinguished academicians, not political nominees.
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