October 20, 2011
Ma, Mati, Manush Government frees State Universities from political interference
Kolkata, Oct. 19: The Ma, Mati, Manush-led cabinet today cleared an ordinance to liberate the 13 state universities of political interference.
Industries Minister Mr. Partha Chatterjee announced the cabinet decision to bring in the ordinance, the draft of which was drawn up after reviewing provisions in several central universities. “The ordinance is based on the guidelines of the University Grants Commission,” Mr. Chatterjee said.
The ordinance will now go to Governor M.K. Narayanan, who is also the ex-officio Chancellor of the state universities, for approval.
“Following the approval from the Governor, a gazette notification will be issued to pave the way for amending the acts governing universities. The ordinance will be applicable to all the 13 state universities, barring the Presidency University,” the Education Minister stated.
Presidency University will be taken up separately.
After the notification, the universities will be free to resume recruitment and take policy decisions. On June 15, the Governor had asked the universities not to take big policy decisions as the government had formed an advisory committee to suggest changes.
“Henceforth, Vice-Chancellors will be appointed through search committees. Provisions will be there for the removal of the vice-chancellors,” Mr. Chatterjee said.
