The belief that it's acceptable for universities to operate without Vice Chancellors (VCs) is gaining ground in the state. This has left eight universities here without VCs for an extended period. With the ongoing conflict between the governor and the government, it's unlikely this situation will be resolved soon.

The disagreement between the government and the governor began over the authority to appoint VCs. Tensions flared when the governor unilaterally appointed some VCs. Unfortunately, it's our universities that are suffering due to the government's actions not being approved by the governor, and vice versa. Even when there were VCs, excessive political influence created chaos in university administration. Now, with VC positions vacant, there's a leadership void.

A committee has been established to address the turmoil in our universities. Whenever there's a dispute, committee members seek recourse in Ernakulam by approaching the High Court. They've gained some favour. However, when the government insists on running universities without VCs what can outsiders do? This isn't just a power struggle; it's a significant issue affecting thousands of students.

There's undoubtedly a need for a leader to steer university administration. Reforms are necessary in education and teaching, which directly impact students' learning. While university committees make decisions, it's the Vice-Chancellor who should provide guidance and direction. In the past, the most capable individuals in academics served as VCs and the university's reputation hinged on this.

It's true that the value of the VC position has diminished mirroring a broader trend affecting various sectors. However, the reality remains that effective university administration requires a leader. In the ongoing political conflict between the governor and the government, both sides seem to forget the common interests of the student community. There are clear UGC guidelines for appointing VCs, with provisions allowing the Governor to intervene in cases of violations. Yet these disputes continually end up in court. The government has faced numerous defeats in such cases. However, the failure to resolve these issues with the governor or change the situation is an ongoing problem.