The Chancellor , Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar argued in the Supreme Court that the Kerala Chief Minister has no role in appointing Vice-Chancellors for A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and Digital University Kerala.
• The Governor's submission opposed the Court's attempt to resolve the V-C appointment impasse by forming search-cum-selection committees.
• The 2018 UGC rules mandate that committee members be eminent in higher education and unconnected to the university or its colleges.
• Draft 2025 UGC Regulations propose removing State governments from V-C appointments, placing it under the Chancellor.

Detailed Insights:

• Governors, initially colonial instruments, have often acted as political agents of the ruling party at the Centre.
• Post-Independence, Governors were retained as heads of universities to ensure independent higher education.
• State legislation defines the Chancellor's role, with the Governor owing their position to the State government.
• States like Punjab and West Bengal have enacted laws making the Chief Minister the Chancellor.
• University heads should be distinguished academicians with managerial skills, not political appointees.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Vice-Chancellor (V-C): The chief academic and administrative officer of a university.
• Chancellor: The titular head of a university, often a ceremonial role.
• UGC Regulations: Guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission for higher education institutions.