Debate in Governor’s Role in the Universities

Syllabus :GS2/Governance

In Context

• The role of the Governor as Chancellor of State universities has been a subject of debate. 

Governor’s Role in the Universities

• The role of the Governor as Chancellor of State universities is inherited from British colonial rule and not mandated by the Indian Constitution.
• The role was initially created to restrict university autonomy, allowing Governors to maintain direct control over universities, especially in appointing Vice-Chancellors and approving university decisions.

Issues and Concerns 

• Politicization: After 1967, Governors became tools of the Central government, politicizing the office and interfering in university affairs.
  • Many Governors are former politicians, which has further compromised the neutrality and impartiality of the office.
• Dual Role of Governors: Governors have powers both with ministerial advice (Article 163) and independently as Chancellor, allowing them to bypass state governments, especially in Opposition-ruled states.
• Governor vs. President: Unlike Governors, the President consults with the Ministry of Education and Parliament, ensuring transparency.
  • Governors act unilaterally, bypassing state authorities.
• Other Challenges: Many Governors lack the necessary academic qualifications to effectively govern universities or academic institutions.
  • The dual authority system creates administrative paralysis.
  • The model undermines federalism by giving the Centre undue influence.

Insights from Commissions:

• Various commissions (Rajamannar, Sarkaria, Venkatachaliah, Punchhi) have critiqued the Governor’s role, recommending reforms like political neutrality, clearer roles, and greater university autonomy.
• The Punchhi Commission specifically suggested that Governors should avoid statutory roles like Chancellor to preserve the dignity of their office.

Alternative Models for University Governance:

• Ceremonial Governor as Chancellor: The Governor’s role could be purely ceremonial, with no executive authority, as seen in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• Chief Minister as Chancellor: States like West Bengal and Punjab have proposed this model, where the Chief Minister holds the Chancellor position, though this awaits Presidential assent.
• State-Appointed Chancellor: Telangana has adopted this model, appointing a ceremonial Chancellor from among distinguished academics or public figures.
• Elected Chancellor: Some universities could elect a Chancellor, as done in institutions like Oxford or Cambridge.
• Chancellor Appointed by University Executive Council: As seen in universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia, this model ensures transparency and institutional autonomy.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• Reforming the Governor’s role is crucial for ensuring university autonomy, accountability to elected state governments, and academic freedom.
• Some states have passed reforms, but many others face delays in Presidential assent, highlighting the need for a more impartial approach from the Centre.
• Progressive reforms should be encouraged to dismantle colonial-era structures and align university governance with global best practices.

Source  :TH