The amendment would make the chief minister the chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, a role previously held by the governor.
Published Nov 29, 2024 | 12:12 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 29, 2024 | 12:12 AM
Pic for representation only. (supplied)
In an apparent move to curtail the powers of the governor, the Siddaramaiah Cabinet on Thursday, 28 November, approved yet another amendment to the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Act.
The amendment would make the chief minister the chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, a role previously held by the governor. The move could further escalate the friction between Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and the Congress government.
The government justified the amendment, saying it was part of a broader effort to streamline the university’s governance.
On 18 September, the government made the first attempt to curb the governor’s authority when the Cabinet approved the draft Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Bill envisaged curtailing the governor’s authority in the appointment of the vice-chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University.
The government has plans to table the Bill in the next Assembly session. The move followed Governor Gehlot sanctioning the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
The Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University is located at Gadag.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs HK Patil told reporters that with the amendment, the chief minister will assume the role of the chancellor.
“There are several reasons for this amendment. The chancellor needs to be proactive, and quick decisions must be made. The university’s affairs are closely linked to our administration, particularly in the areas of panchayat raj and rural development, as well as in academic management,” he explained.
“The Cabinet has given its approval to name the chief minister as the chancellor. All powers held by the chancellor (governor) will now be transferred to the chief minister,” he added.
Patil further said the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj would be the pro-chancellor. Priyank Kharge is the minister concerned.
“This system is already in place in several states, including Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. Many states have implemented similar measures,” Patil said.
It may be noted that the state government has proposed the second amendment to the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Act in less than three months.
While approving the draft Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the state government justified that it was necessary to align with the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations notified on 18 June 2015.
The government emphasized the need for a law that ensured uniform provisions for the establishment, administration, and recruitment of teaching staff in universities.
It further noted that the Supreme Court had ruled that any appointment of a vice-chancellor that contradicts UGC regulations would violate statutory provisions.
“The government is proposing this amendment to align the University Act with UGC regulations. The office of the governor, who also serves as the chancellor of the University, requested the government on May 16, 2024, to follow the procedures outlined in the UGC regulations,” Patil explained.
“Therefore, the government is amending Section 15(2) of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Act, 2016, to comply with these guidelines,” he added.
Incidentally, both amendments need the governor’s approval after the assembly passes them.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
