THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition on Wednesday said in the assembly that the composition of the search-cum-selection committee for appointing university vice-chancellors usurps the power of the Chancellor, the Governor, and is illegal. Minister R Bindu replied to this by stating that the Governor's representative is also on the committee and that the Left government will appoint only those who excel in the field of higher education as VCs.

As per the Bill, the number of members of search-cum-selection committee will be increased from three to five. Opposition MLA PC Vishnunath raised objections when the University Laws (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the assembly yesterday. "The current provision is that each member of the search committee may propose separate names to the Chancellor. This is being replaced by the provision that one person should be appointed as VC from a three-member panel selected on the basis of a majority decision. The government is attempting trying to bring its interests by curtailing the powers of the governor," Vishnunath said.

"This law is contrary to the law passed by Parliament. If there is a law in the state which is contrary to the central law, the central law will prevail. It will fail if it goes to court," Vishnunath added.

However, the minister pointed out that as per the UGC requirement a person, who is proficient in the field of higher education and not linked with the concerned university or affiliated colleges should also be a member of the committee. "The UGC terms do not specify the number of members or who else should be on the committee. Even though education is on the Concurrent List, the state government can legislate itself for statutory and financially aided institutions that come under it," she said. The minister also added that the government did not intend to curtail the powers of the Chancellor through the bill.

The minister said that if people who are proficient in the field of higher education are included in the committee, eminent persons can be found as VCs. Law Minister P Rajeev argued that the state is pushing for such legislation on the basis of the Supreme Court order. Following this, the Speaker rejected Vishnunath's objection.