Guv unhappy with selection mode of VCs

 
According to sources, the Governor is unhappy with the mode of selection of the vice-chancellors for the two varsities. The two universities are in a limbo as the Ordinance Replacement Bills for establishing these two universities passed by the legislature in July this year, is yet to receive assent from the Governor.

The Governor, who is also the chancellor of all universities in the State, has sought the opinion of the Advocate General on certain clauses on appointment of various boards, the sources added.

Since the enactment of the Karnataka State Universities Act -2000, the Governor has no direct role in the appointment of vice-chancellors. Earlier, the Governor's nominee was the chairman of the search committee for shortlisting the panel of names for vice-chancellorship. Presently, the Governor's nominee is only a member and chairpersonship of the search committee lies with the government's nominee.

The Law Department is also planning to approach the A-G and request him to provide his opinion at the earliest, sources said. According to Article 213 of the Constitution, ordinance replacement bills need to receive assent from the Governor within six weeks from the reassembly of the legislature. Otherwise, the ordinance lapses.  The ordinance promulgating the setting up these two universities lapsed on August 21 leading to a vacuum.

The Law Department officials said the 'vacuum' would prevent varsity officials from taking any new decisions.