Tamil Nadu Governor accused of delaying Vice-Chancellor appointments

A dispute between the Tamil Nadu state government and Governor R N Ravi has intensified over the appointment of vice-chancellors for state universities, with the state's Education Minister accusing the Governor of obstructing the process.

The controversy erupted after the Governor issued notifications for vice-chancellor appointments at three state universities: Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, and the University of Madras. The state government opposed these notifications, alleging they deviated from the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

In response to the objections, the Governor's office withdrew its notifications but attached a condition requiring the state government to retract its own notifications and issue revised ones in strict adherence to UGC guidelines.

This impasse has delayed the selection process, leaving leadership positions in several universities vacant and sparking concerns about the functioning of these institutions.

The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Governor to expedite the resolution of the issue, emphasizing the adverse impact the delay is having on the state's higher education system.

The Minister also highlighted that prolonged delays in appointing vice-chancellors are hampering the efficient functioning and governance of the affected universities.

Defending its stance, the Governor's office maintained that its actions were aimed at ensuring adherence to UGC norms and court rulings. The office also urged the state government to cooperate by following the mandated procedures for the appointments.

The standoff has sparked widespread concern among educationists, students, and parents about the potential fallout on Tamil Nadu’s higher education sector. Critics argue that prolonged administrative delays could hinder academic progress and research in the affected institutions.

As the disagreement persists, both parties face mounting pressure to find a resolution that safeguards the interests of students and upholds the integrity of the state's educational institutions.