The state is currently witnessing a battle over the proposed Uttarakhand State Universities Act — a major point of contention among various political parties, academicians and student communities. For those in favour of the Act, the turmoil is nothing but a teething problem. But critics of the proposed Act argue that it is yet another attempt by the ruling BJP to extend control over educational institutions and hence, further the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.

Till now, the various government-run universities in the state have functioned as per the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Universities Act, 1973. It was in May of this year that the state Government tabled a Bill exclusively meant for the universities in Uttarakhand. Several proposals in the Bill sparked a series of controversies. Following mayhem in the state Assembly, the Bill was referred to a select committee that was dominated by state Government members. The report of the committee was tabled in the Assembly on July 30 amid chaos.

Critics of the proposed Act say that despite being referred to the committee, the contentious issues remain unaddressed. Noted academician and former V-P of the Federation of Uttar Pradesh Universities/Colleges Teachers’ Association S K Kulshrestha asserts that under the proposed Act, it will be the state Government and not the state Governor (who is also the Chancellor) who will have a major say in the appointment of the vice-chancellors of the universities.

“The Governor will be appointing a person from the list of candidates forwarded by a five-member search panel that will be dominated by representatives of the state Government. It will be an appointment made by the Governor on advice of the state Government,” he explained.

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