The Assembly on Thursday passed the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022 which alters the composition of the search-cum-selection committee to appoint Vice Chancellors and effectively provide the State government greater leverage in the process.
While the Opposition staged a walkout accusing the government of attempting to relegate universities to the status of party offices, the treasury benches said the Bill was driven by the compulsions of keeping Sangh Parivar forces at bay in the administration of universities.
While the Bill awaits the Governor’s assent, its passage will enhance the appointment age of Vice Chancellors to 65 years and increase the strength of the selection committee to five (from the existing three). The government had initially proposed the inclusion of the vice chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as convener of the committee. But, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu moved an official amendment to bring an academic expert who is nominated by the council vice chairman as replacement to the particular position.
