Hindi English Translation || Editorial || ​Governors as Chancellors: On the submission by the Kerala Governor

​Governors as Chancellors: On the submission by the Kerala Governor

Universities need to be headed by distinguished (प्रतिष्ठित, प्रसिद्ध) academicians

The recent submission by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to the Supreme Court of India, contending that the Chief Minister of Kerala has no role in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellors (V-C) of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and Digital University Kerala, is another instance of how recent Governors are the political and ideological (वैचारिक) adversaries (विरोधी, शत्रु) of an elected State government — as seen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and, to some extent, West Bengal. Mr. Arlekar had appealed against an attempt by the Court to break the long-standing impasse (गतिरोध, ठहराव) over V-C appointments to these universities by guiding the creation of search-cum-selection committees and laying down rules. The Governor submitted that the 2018 UGC rules for search-cum-selection committees mandate persons of eminence (श्रेष्ठता, उच्चता) in higher education and must not be connected in any manner with the university or its colleges. Thus, according to his submission, the Chief Minister, as someone intimately connected to all such institutions in the State, had no role. The draft 2025 UGC Regulations take this further by divesting State governments of a role in appointing V-Cs and bringing it under the Chancellor’s purview (अधिकार-क्षेत्र, दायरा). While the Court will rule on the merit of Mr. Arlekar’s position, it is worth noting that Governors in States ruled by the BJP or its allies do not seem to have such problems with the governments they nominally head.

Governors were originally instruments of colonial power and were retained (बनाए रखना, सुरक्षित रखना) by independent India. From the very beginning, however, they have often acted as political agents of the ruling party at the Centre. Over time, central and State legislation defined and restricted the discretionary (विवेकाधीन, स्वेच्छानुसार) powers of Governors which were vested in them by the Constitution. After Independence, State governments retained the colonial-era practice of having Governors as heads of universities — to continue the stated intention of ensuring independent higher education as well as to have a “father figure” or a wise elder. The Acts passed by State legislatures, such as those for A.P.J. Abdul Kalam University, specifically define who the Chancellor will be. The Governor owes his or her position as Chancellor of a university to the respective State government. Even as the Court circumscribes (सीमित करना, प्रतिबंधित करना) the gubernatorial (Relating to a state governor or the office of state governor) powers regarding the signing of Bills into law, State governments are acting decisively (दृढ़तापूर्वक, निर्णायक रूप से) against having Governors as Chancellors of State universities — one of the few other domains where Governors have a strong say. Punjab and West Bengal, for instance (An example or single occurrence of something), have passed a law making the Chief Minister the Chancellor. University heads need to be hands-on, distinguished academicians with a broader profile and vision, and strong managerial skills, rather than political appointees, State or Union.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Distinguished (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - प्रतिष्ठित, प्रसिद्ध
English Meaning - Standing out as a very successful, authoritative, and respected person.

2.Ideological (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - वैचारिक
English Meaning - Based on or relating to a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning economic or political theory and policy.

3.Adversaries (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - विरोधी, शत्रु
English Meaning - One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.

4.Impasse (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - गतिरोध, ठहराव
English Meaning - A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of a disagreement; a deadlock.

5.Eminence (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - श्रेष्ठता, उच्चता
English Meaning - The state of being famous, prominent, or distinguished.

6.Purview (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - अधिकार-क्षेत्र, दायरा
English Meaning - The scope of the influence or concerns of something.

7.Discretionary (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - विवेकाधीन, स्वेच्छानुसार
English Meaning - Available to be used at the discretion of the user; not subject to strict rules.

8.Decisively (Adverb)

Hindi Meaning - दृढ़तापूर्वक, निर्णायक रूप से
English Meaning - In a way that produces a definite and unmistakable result; with determination.

9.Circumscribe (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - सीमित करना, प्रतिबंधित करना
English Meaning - To restrict something within limits.

10.Retain (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - बनाए रखना, सुरक्षित रखना
English Meaning - To continue to have something; keep possession of.

11.Instance (Noun)

English Meaning - An example or single occurrence of something.

12.Gubernatorial (Adjective)

English Meaning - Relating to a state governor or the office of state governor.