Shimla, Sept 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the “Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry University (Amendment) Act, 2024,” granting the state government greater control over university appointments and financial decisions. This legislation, which had been in limbo between Raj Bhavan and the state law department for some time, marks a significant shift in the governance of agricultural universities in the state.
Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, who presented the bill, explained that the amendments were necessary to align the governance of these universities with the revised Model Act issued by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2023. He clarified that the bill does not intend to diminish the powers of the Governor but seeks to rectify governance issues that have restricted the state’s ability to influence the appointment of key university officials, such as vice chancellors, despite substantial state financial support.
Kumar noted that some universities had increasingly aligned with particular religious or linguistic groups, and the government felt the need to ensure that these institutions remained inclusive and aligned with state policies. He emphasized that the bill is modeled after existing central government legislation and is intended to enhance the efficiency and accountability of these universities.
A key provision of the amendment is the restructuring of the Board of Management under Section 12 of the original 1986 Act. This change will give the state government more authority in the selection and appointment of top university officials, including vice chancellors, ensuring that the universities’ leadership aligns with the government’s educational and financial policies.
The amendment also introduces Section 55-A, which allows the state government to establish rules for the Act’s implementation. This provision grants the government more flexibility in managing financial decisions within these universities, including fund management and resource allocation.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu supported the bill, noting that it was designed to improve the ranking and performance of state universities, which have faced challenges in recent years, including declines in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). He assured the assembly that the bill was not intended to undermine university autonomy but to ensure better coordination and financial management.
Despite these assurances, BJP leaders including Jai Ram Thakur, Rakesh Jamwal, and Vipin Singh Parmar raised concerns about the bill, particularly regarding the reduced role of the Governor in university governance. They argued that including the Chief Secretary on university panels could potentially infringe on the independence of these institutions.
In defense of the amendment, legislators Kewal Singh Pathania and Harish Janartha emphasized the importance of state involvement in ensuring that universities effectively use the significant funds provided by the government. Jagat Singh Negi pointed out that the amendment would help address the issue of unspent funds, leading to better management and utilization of resources.
With the bill now passed by the assembly, it will be sent back to the Governor for final approval. The long-awaited amendments are expected to bring more streamlined governance and financial oversight to Himachal Pradesh’s agricultural universities.
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