'Playing petty politics for their masters'; CM Pinarayi Vijayan against Governor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Governor in opposition ruled states were playing petty politics to fawn their political masters. CM Vijayan elucidated how many states had to go to court against the anti-democratic attitudes of the governors.

Inaugurating the convention organized by Shankaranarayanan Thampi Hall of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister also alleged Gonernor of making political interventions in universities using the title of Chancellor.

"The UGC has given the chancellor the authority of the higher education department to form a search committee for the appointment of VC. Governors will selectively appoint people having links with the ruling party in the centre. Bills passed, including those to remove the governor's post of chancellor, were deliberately delayed and no decision was taken. The UGC draft policy aims to strengthen the political involvement of the governor in universities. It also removes the power of states to make laws."

The draft approach completely ignores the role of state governments in the appointment of vice-chancellors. The Chief Minister said that the proposal to appoint vice-chancellors from the industrial sector or public administration would make the academic standards low.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan beseeched the government to move against the draft amendment legally and constitutionally. Minister Dr. R. Bindu delivered the introductory lecture. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Dr MC Sudhakar, and Tamil Nadu Minister of Higher Education Dr Gopi Chezhiyan were the special guests.