UGC to stay out of bid to remove governor as varsity chancellors

Subject: Polity

Concept :

In a move that could justify the decision by certain States to bring legislation removing Governors as Chancellors of State run public universities, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided not to interfere in the tussle between Governor and State Governments.
The UGC believes that appointment of Chancellors is under the domain of States, and that it can intervene only when there are anomalies in the appointment of Vice Chancellors.

Role of UGC

Education comes under the Concurrent List, but entry 66 of the Union List — “coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education or research and scientific and technical institutions” gives the Centre substantial authority over higher education.
The University Grants Commission plays that standard-setting role, even in the case of appointments in universities and colleges.
According to the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and other Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018, the “Visitor/Chancellor” — mostly the Governor in states — shall appoint the VC out of the panel of names recommended by search-cum-selection committees.
Higher educational institutions, particularly those that get UGC funds, are mandated to follow its regulations.
These are usually followed without friction in the case of central universities but are sometimes resisted by the states in the case of state universities.

Governor as Chancellor of State Universities

Hon’ble Governor is ex-officio Chancellor of the State Universities.
As per the provisions of the Act of the concerned University, the Governor appoints the Vice Chancellor on the advice/ in consultation with the State Government.
As Chancellor, the Governor also presides over the Convocation of the State Universities, whenever present.
The Governor as Chancellor has absolute authority. The Governor chairs the Senate and the Syndicate meetings. In his absence the Vice-Chancellor officiates.
As the visitor of the university he can inspect, order and command. The institution runs under his stewardship.
Chancellor also appoints his/her nominees on various bodies like Senate, Syndicate, Board of Management, Selection Committee and Academic Council of the State Universities.
The Chancellor has been entrusted with the powers to enquire into the affairs of the State Universities as per the provisions of the Act.