Should Governors head State universities?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
| Topic: GS2 – Governance |
| Context |
|
Governor as Chancellor of State Universities: A Colonial Legacy
- It originated during British rule and was designed to restrict university autonomy rather than promote it.
- The position was formalized by British authorities in 1857 when they set up the first universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
- Governors of the presidencies were made ex-officio Chancellors to maintain control over these universities.
- The role was adopted post-Independence without reassessment and continues in India today. It is not mentioned in the Constitution but is included in State university laws.
Politicisation of the Governor’s Role
-
- From 1947 to 1967, the dominance of the Congress party led to Governors being mostly ceremonial figures, with Chief Ministers holding the real power.
- However, post-1967, as several states were ruled by opposition parties, Governors started to play an active role in university governance. This led to clashes with state governments.
- The office of the Governor began to be politicised, with many Governors appointed for their political loyalty rather than for academic expertise, leading to a decline in the office’s credibility.
- The First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966–77) and the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) criticized this politicisation.
Dual Role of Governors
- The Governor’s role is divided constitutionally into two categories: acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 163) and acting independently in certain functions, like being the Chancellor of State universities.
- The Governor’s discretion in university matters, such as appointing Vice-Chancellors and presiding over convocations, has caused issues, particularly in states ruled by opposition parties.
Challenges of the Current System
- Governors have significant power over State universities despite these universities being funded by State governments. This creates confusion and conflicts.
- Delays in appointing Vice-Chancellors and other administrative issues affect the functioning of universities.
- Governors, often lacking academic experience, make decisions based on limited, non-transparent advice.
- Political interference by Governors often prioritises central government agendas over universities’ needs.
- The system undermines the principle of federalism, as it places State universities under control by Governors appointed by the Centre.
Commission Insights and Recommendations
- The Rajamannar Committee (1969-71) and the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) recommended that Governors consult with Chief Ministers but retain independent judgment.
- The M.M. Punchhi Commission (2007-10) suggested that the Governor focus on constitutional duties, not statutory roles like Chancellor, to preserve dignity.
- Various commissions, including the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000-02), have advocated for greater university autonomy and a clearer role for Chancellors.
Alternative Models for the Role of Chancellor
- Best practices suggest that the Chancellor should be a ceremonial leader, with no executive authority.
- Some States, like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have implemented reforms where the Governor’s role is reduced to a ceremonial one.
- The State-appointed Chancellor model, in which eminent academics or public figures serve as Chancellor, has been suggested as a solution.
- This model ensures academic independence while preventing political interference.
- This model is being considered in several States, but many Bills are awaiting Presidential assent.
Dismantling Colonial Legacy
- Reforming the governance of State universities is essential for academic excellence, reduced political interference, and enhanced accountability to State governments.
- The central government should facilitate these reforms and encourage States to align their university governance models with global best practices.
Conclusion
- The Governor’s role as Chancellor of State universities, a legacy of colonial rule, needs reform.
- Shifting to a more neutral, academic-focused leadership model would enhance university autonomy and governance.
| Practice Question: Examine the impact of the Governor’s role as Chancellor of State universities on academic independence and state autonomy. What reforms are needed to address the challenges associated with this system? (150 Words /10 marks) |
Check more- Indian space programme breaks into 2025 in ‘mission mode’
