THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UGC will soon issue an amendment to the UGC Regulations of 2018 to give full powers to the Chancellor in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and to retain the Governor as the Chancellor. With this, the university laws and rules contrary to the UGC rules will become invalid. The government will have no role in the appointment of VCs. The Governor, who is the appointing authority, will constitute the search committee. The Governor may appoint the VC from a panel of three to five members provided by the committee.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Saturday conducted a hearing of the VCs of Calicut, Open, Digital and Sanskrit Universities regarding the irregularities in their appointment. UGC Joint Secretary Dr N Gopakumar and Standing Counsel S Krishnamurthy, who were present at the hearing, said that the regulations will be amended within two weeks.

The regulation of 2018 is being amended to resolve the dispute in various states, including Kerala, regarding university matters. The UGC believes that this will prevent political interference in the universities and ensure their autonomy. Meanwhile, in private universities, the management can appoint private individuals as chancellors.

Although the government can appoint the first VC in the universities, it should be subject to approval by the UGC. If the first VC is eligible, he can be re-appointed. Officials, including the Chief Secretary, and those related to universities should not be there in the search committees. UGC representative must also be on the committee. The Governor will also be tasked with forming a committee comprising representatives of the varsity and the chancellor.

Full powers to Governor

• The amendment will be in such a way that the Chancellor will have complete powers in varsity affairs.
• The bill to replace the Governor and make private individuals Chancellor will be void
• The amendment of the law to increase the number of search committee members will not be valid

The UGC Rule which is equivalent to the Central Act should be implemented in the state. Accordingly, the varsity rules and regulations should be amended. The section to be amended will include rules for the appointment of VCs, teachers and staff.

Reasons for expulsion of VCs
Open University: Does not have 10 years of experience as a professor
Calicut: The Chief Secretary was a member of the committee for appointment
Sanskrit: One name was provided for the appointment instead of a panel
Digital: Got appointed without committee including UGC representative