The move comes against the backdrop of recent controversies, including a student agitation over delays in forming the university union and a heated battle over the reappointment of the registrar.
Published Mar 02, 2025 | 12:07 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 02, 2025 | 12:07 PM
Kerala Governor RV Arlekar with the staff of Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam. (X)
Synopsis: LDF government in Kerala is set to introduce the University Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the state Assembly. It enhances the role of the pro-vice-chancellors and registrars, seen as a move to curb the influence of vice-chancellors. The state government says it is set to introduce major reforms in the higher education sector. A whistleblower group raised serious allegations saying that it will politicise university administrations.
After multiple failed attempts to tighten its grip on university administration, the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala is making another push with the University Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025, set to be introduced on Monday, 3 March.
The proposed bill significantly expands the powers of the pro-chancellor — the minister for higher education — granting greater authority in university affairs. It also enhances the role of the pro-vice-chancellors and registrars, seen as a move to curb the influence of vice-chancellors.
It also aims to check the extensive incursions of the chancellor (the Governor) in affairs related to universities. However, the amendments have sparked fresh concerns over potential government overreach and threats to university autonomy.
With two earlier bills hitting roadblocks, the big question remains: Will this latest attempt succeed or meet the same fate?
The state government says it is set to introduce major reforms in the higher education sector, driven by recommendations from the Higher Education Reforms Commission and the Kerala State University Law Reforms Commission.
These reports highlighted that universities in the state have largely become degree-awarding institutions focused on examinations rather than hubs of knowledge generation and dissemination. Recognising the need for a transformation, the government aims to restructure university laws to enhance academic freedom, strengthen governance, and position universities as key centers for research and innovation.
The proposed amendments seek to redefine the roles of university authorities, including increasing the powers of the pro-chancellor and pro-vice chancellor, restructuring administrative bodies, and establishing research parks.
Additionally, constituent colleges will be designated to streamline academic administration.
The overarching goal is to create a higher education ecosystem that fosters intellectual growth and innovation, aligning with Kerala’s vision of becoming a knowledge society.
By modernising university laws, the government intends to ensure that the academic framework is compatible with evolving socio-economic demands.
At the same time, the bill is being seen as the government’s masterstroke in resolving its long-standing tussle with vice chancellors — many of whom were handpicked by former Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and have frequently clashed with the state government over various issues.
The proposed legislation aims to reshape Kerala’s higher education landscape by introducing crucial amendments to key university laws, including the Kerala University Act (1974), the Calicut University Act (1975), the Mahatma Gandhi University Act (1985), the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit Act (1996), and the Kannur University Act (1996).
The bill outlines the significant role of the pro-chancellor in the governance of the universities, particularly in the absence of the chancellor.
The pro-chancellor is empowered to preside over senate meetings and university convocations when present. Additionally, they have the authority to requisition any information related to the academic and administrative affairs of the University, and the institution is obligated to comply.
The pro-chancellor also holds the right to bring important policy matters or concerns to the attention of the chancellor or relevant university authorities for appropriate action.
Furthermore, they are vested with the power to initiate inspections of university facilities, including buildings, laboratories, and affiliated institutions, as well as oversee examinations, teaching, and administrative or financial matters.
This role, as the government claims, ensures active government oversight and accountability in the university’s functioning.
The new bill has redefined the roles of the pro-vice-chancellor and the registrar, giving the latter greater authority over university elections.
The move comes against the backdrop of recent controversies, including a student agitation over delays in forming the university union and a heated battle over the reappointment of the registrar.
Under the new provisions, the pro-vice-chancellor will be appointed by the syndicate on the recommendation of the vice-chancellor, serving a term co-terminus with that of the latter and eligible for reappointment.
The pro-vice-chancellor must be a full-time academic and administrative officer with at least ten years of teaching or research experience and a doctoral degree.
While the chancellor retains overarching authority, the pro-vice-chancellor will function according to the university statutes.
The bill significantly strengthens the powers of the registrar, designating the office as the Chief Election Officer responsible for issuing notifications, conducting elections, declaring results, and constituting university bodies.
However, any election-related appeals can only be preferred by the vice-chancellor, limiting the scope for intervention by external stakeholders.
The change is particularly crucial in light of recent events, including the controversial reappointment of KS Anilkumar as Kerala University’s registrar, reversing an earlier attempt by Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal to initiate a fresh selection process.
The syndicate’s decision, supported by 20 members — including the sole Congress-backed representative — was opposed only by two BJP members.
Another significant event was an agitation led by the Students Federation of India (SFI) at the university headquarters in early February against the delay in forming the university union despite completed elections.
The new bill cements the registrar’s authority over election-related matters, potentially altering how such disputes are handled.
The new bill upholds the fundamental rights of students and teachers by fostering a vibrant academic environment where freedom of association, expression, and inquiry are safeguarded.
Students are empowered to form and join lawful associations of their choice without fear of discrimination, enabling them to advocate for their interests, engage in meaningful discussions, and organize peaceful demonstrations.
Similarly, teachers are granted the right to academic freedom, allowing them to explore and express diverse perspectives while sharing knowledge through printed, electronic, or digital materials without prior university approval.
By ensuring a structured grievance redressal system for students and protecting the autonomy of both students and faculty, the bill strengthens democratic participation within educational institutions, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Meanwhile, the Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC), a whistleblower group in Kerala’s higher education sector, has raised serious allegations against the University Act Amendment Bill.
The bill proposes shifting several key powers from the vice-chancellor to the registrar, a move critics claim will politicise university governance.
“The controversy erupted after the Kerala (University) VC (vice-chancellor) refused to announce university union election results without vote-counting documents. In response, the bill seeks to empower registrars — appointed on a contractual basis by the syndicate — to declare election results and form university governing bodies, bypassing the VC,” pointed out SUCC.
Critics argue that the amendments will strip the Governor and the vice-chancellor of their authority, consolidating power with the higher education minister, the syndicate, and the registrar.
Adding fuel to the fire, the bill includes a contentious new clause that allows the tenure of private college teachers who served as mayors or panchayat presidents to be considered as official service for pension benefits.
This provision is seen as benefitting Higher Education Minister R Bindu, a former Thrissur mayor and Kerala Varma College professor, raising suspicions of self-serving legislation.
“While the Union government faces criticism for saffronising universities, the state government is now accused of painting them red,” alleged SUCC.
As the University Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 heads to the Kerala Assembly, the battle lines are clearly drawn. The government presents it as a necessary overhaul to modernise higher education, enhance governance, and curb external interference.
However, critics see it as another attempt to tighten political control over universities, sidelining the Governor and vice-chancellors while empowering the higher education minister and the syndicate.
With Kerala’s university administration already mired in controversies over appointments, elections, and governance, the passage of this bill could redefine the power structure within academic institutions.
More than that, it will also pave the way for another showdown between the government and the Governor.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
