I apologize for any confusion. Here is the revised response without any additional descriptions:
The ongoing dispute between the State government and Governor RN Ravi over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to State-run universities in Tamil Nadu has taken a toll on the institutions themselves, with concerns being raised about the impact on the higher education sector.
The controversy stems from the appointment of VCs, which has been a contentious issue in several states, including Tamil Nadu. The State government has approached the Supreme Court in its dispute with the Governor, who suggested reconstituting search committees for the University of Madras, Bharathiar University, and Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University.
According to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2018 regulations, search-cum-selection committees for VCs should include a member nominated by the UGC chairman. However, the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017, mandates a committee with only three members: a State government representative, and senate and syndicate nominees from the respective university.
The Governor’s insistence on including UGC representatives in the search committees is seen as contradicting the State law. The State Assembly has already passed legislation empowering the government to appoint VCs to the 13 State-run universities, but the Governor has not given his assent. As a result, the State government has turned to the Supreme Court to challenge the Governor’s notification regarding VC appointments.
Adding to the complexity, the UGC has expressed concerns about the constitution of search-and-selection committees without the inclusion of a nominee from the Commission chairman. While some academicians believe that including UGC members in the search panels could reduce political interference, they acknowledge that the current legal provisions do not allow for it.
Amidst the ongoing tug-of-war, the academic activities of universities have already been affected. Convocations and the issuance of degree certificates have been delayed, causing distress among students and faculty members. The appointment of new faculty members is also likely to be delayed without the presence of VCs. Furthermore, administrative processes, such as salary disbursement and accessing central funds, require the VC’s signature, which may be further hindered.
Prominent academician and former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, E Balagurusamy, has called on Governor Ravi to accept the existing rules and conventions regarding search committee constitution. Balagurusamy highlights that the search committee can only be reconstituted after an order from the State government and emphasizes the need to amend the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Amendment) Act to address the situation.
Supporting the current State Act, former president of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), P Thirunavukkarasu, argues that there is no need to include a UGC member in the search panel, as State representatives possess the necessary qualifications for selecting university heads.
The ongoing conflict between the Raj Bhavan and Fort St George has significant implications for students, faculty, and the overall functioning of universities. As the matter progresses in the courts, it remains to be seen how this clash between the State government and the Governor will impact the higher education landscape in Tamil Nadu.
