Tamil Nadu CM as Chancellor of universities plan may hit UGC roadblock

Governor says he has very good relations with the Chief Minister and the government

Various Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of the State universities may hit a roadblock as they appear to be inconsistent with the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, Governor R.N. Ravi indicated on Friday.

At an informal interaction with senior journalists of select media organisations at the Raj Bhavan, he said the Bills are under examination and the view which is emerging is that these Bills do not seem consistent with the UGC Act, which has laid down standards and procedures for higher education institutions.

“The view which is emerging is that they look inconsistent with the UGC Act and Rules. If that comes out as a final view, then obviously it will be difficult for the Governor to give assent to it. But I am waiting for the [final] view,” he said.

The Governor said some of these have been conveyed to the government too.

Citing the case of the Siddha University Bill, Mr. Ravi said he had pointed out the inconsistencies even at the stage of granting consent to move the Bill. However, it came back in the same form and therefore “it has to pass the test”.

Pointing out that education was in the concurrent list, Mr. Ravi said that if there is incompatibility (with the Central rules) or a Bill is repugnant, it would be difficult to clear it.

Making it clear that as the constitutional head of the State, he was here to assist the State government and not to transgress boundaries, he reiterated his stand that governance is the responsibility of the government.