The Impressive TimesChandigarh July 18 2024: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday argued that the role of chancellor for state-run universities should be held by an “elected chief minister” rather than a “selected” individual, a clear critique of the state governor’s role. His comments follow a recent development where President Droupadi Murmu returned the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to replace the state governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of state universities.
Mann expressed frustration with the current process, noting that when the governor refuses to assent to a bill, it is sent to the President, who then delays the decision. The Chief Minister’s remarks came after the President returned the Punjab bill without assent, a move that has prompted Mann to plan a meeting to discuss the future of the bill.
The Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, proposes that the chief minister, elected by the people, should assume the role of chancellor, replacing the governor. Mann highlighted that similar bills have been introduced in other states, such as West Bengal and Kerala, suggesting a broader trend toward democratic governance over appointed positions.
Mann also criticized the current procedure for appointing vice-chancellors of state-run universities, where the state government submits three names to the governor, who then makes the final selection. “Who really chooses—the elected or the selected?” Mann questioned, emphasizing the disconnect between democratic processes and appointed roles.
He further noted that the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, along with other legislation such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Bill, had been passed by the Punjab Assembly in June of last year. However, these bills were challenged by the governor, who labeled the session as “patently illegal.” In November, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the session and directed the governor to act on the bills.
Mann’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between the state government and the governor’s office, underscoring the Chief Minister’s push for a more democratic and representative approach to university governance in Punjab.
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