Thiruvananthapuram :The cabinet on Wednesday decided to issue ordinance recommending to the Governor, distinguished names from the academic field for appointment as chancellors to the various state universities. The ordinance seeks to potentially amend existing university rules specific to the clause relating to appointment of chancellors. That clause currently stipulates that Governor by virtue of his post shall also act as Chancellor to 14 universities in the state – a dictate that is set to be replaced.
The cabinet decision also draws on the Punchi Commission report that states how it is not optimum to appoint Governors as universities chancellors, given they are already bestowed with duties to perform under the Constitution. The report recommends Governors to avoid taking up the Chancellor post. The govt decision also takes view of the fact how brilliant academicians university as chancellors are need of the hour especially when government endeavours hard to elevate education standards to international level.
Speaking to media post the meeting, minister for Higher Studies R Bindu said, the government wishes to have distinguished academicians to hold post of chancellors at universities. The decision is part of effecting reforms in the field of higher education, the minister said, adding that, the Governor is constitutionally obliged to sign such ordinance.
It is planned to have once Chancellor for University of Kerala, Calicut, Kannur, MG, Sanskrit and the Malayalam University. A separate chancellor for Cusat, digital and technical universities combined and yet another for the Fisheries and Health Science University.
