Kerala government decides to introduce Bill to replace Governor as chancellor of universities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Wednesday decided to move a Bill in the legislative assembly, when it convenes from December 5, for replacing the Governor with eminent academicians as Chancellor of the universities in the state.

A draft Bill in this regard was approved by a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here during the day, a government source confirmed. The cabinet decision comes in the wake of the ongoing tussle between the left government and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan over various issues pertaining to the functioning of universities in the state and including the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs).

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Kerala higher education minister R Bindhu made it clear that the left government would convene an Assembly session and bring out a legislation if Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was not prepared to sign the ordinance stripping him of the role of chancellor of universities in the state.

"If he (Governor) does not sign the ordinance, we can convene the House in December and bring out a legislation in this regard," Bindhu said. Asked about the Governor's reported statement that he would refer the controversial ordinance to the President of India, the Minister said he has all the right to do that.

However, some recent Kerala High Court orders have vindicated Khan's stand on the appointments of VCs of certain universities.