VCs appointed by Governors will act as Viceroys, says P Chidambaram

Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram advocates for autonomous universities and criticizes higher education regulatory bodies in Chennai speech.

A Vice-Chancellor appointed by a Governor will act as a viceroy for the Governor, and in States (ruled by the BJP), they would be a viceroy for the Union government, said former Union minister P. Chidambaram in Chennai on Monday.  

Delivering the 43rd graduation day address at the Madras Christian College, Mr. Chidambaram said according to him, a model university is one that uses freedom responsibly. “It must be self-governing with a board of trustees of academics and scholars,” he said.  

It should have a body of overseers consisting alumni and teachers. Universities must aim for financial independence that can be assured by its alumni. Large endowments must fund the university and have no control from the government or a government body.  

Mr. Chidambaram came down heavily on higher education regulatory bodies. According to him, institutions such as the University Grants Commission, the All India Council for Technical Education, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, the National Testing Agency, had gone beyond their legitimate limit and have virtually deprived universities of their autonomy.  

The Former Minister said NEET was not necessary to admit students to medical courses. If a State government had established medical colleges, paid the salaries for the teachers and established hospitals that were attached to the colleges from its own funds, then the State should have a say in the admission of students as well, he said.

Earlier, P. Wilson, college principal, highlighted the achievements of the college in the past year.  The aided stream had 3,121 students, of which 1,283 were men and 1,838 were women. The pass percentage in undergraduate programmes was 81.6% for BA; 81.9% for BSc and 96% for B Com. The pass percentage for MA was 92.5%; M Sc 90.1%; M Com 98%; and MSW, 93%, he said.  

Mr. Chidambaram later presented the degrees and medals to meritorious students.