Why in the News?
A recent controversy arose in Kerala, where the Governor (ex-officio Chancellor of State Universities) urged the Supreme Court to exclude the Chief Minister from the process of selecting Vice-Chancellors (VCs).
Who is the Vice-Chancellor?
- Position: Serves as Principal Academic and Executive Officer of the university.
- Functions: Bridges executive and academic wings; ensures compliance with Acts, Statutes, and Regulations.
- Authority: Chairs key bodies such as the Executive Council, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and Selection Committees.
- Qualities Emphasized: Historical commissions (Radhakrishnan 1948, Kothari 1964–66, Gnanam 1990, Ramlal Parikh 1993) stressed academic excellence, administrative skill, integrity, and vision.
- Significance: Maintains quality, relevance, and reform in higher education.
About the Role of Governor and President in Universities:
- State Universities:
- Chancellor’s Position: The Governor is ex-officio Chancellor, functioning independently of the State Cabinet in university matters.
- VC Appointment: As per UGC Regulations, 2018, the Chancellor appoints Vice-Chancellors from a panel recommended by a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
- Legal Supremacy: In conflicts between UGC regulations and State laws, UGC norms prevail under Article 254 of the Constitution.
- Central Universities:
- Visitor Role: The President of India is the Visitor under the Central Universities Act, 2009.
- Chancellor: A ceremonial head, appointed by the President.
- VC Appointment: The President selects from a panel suggested by a Search Committee and can demand a fresh panel if unsatisfied.
- Oversight Powers: The President can authorize inspections and inquiries into universities.
| [UPSC 2014] Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule 2. Appointing the Ministers 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (a) a) 1 and 2 only (b) b) 1 and 3 only (c) c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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