Don't meddle in varsity affairs, Governor tells government

Says he is not appointed by State Congress government

Asking state government not to interfere in the functioning of universities, the Governor H R Bhardwaj on Thursday said that he has not been "appointed by the State Congress government."

"The previous government also tried to oust me, but the President did not allow it. I am not appointed by the State Congress government. I will finish my full term," said Bhardwaj
He was speaking at the inauguration of a conference of the Indian Commerce Association and national seminar on “Inclusive Growth and Sustainability – Role of Commerce Education in India,” being held here.

Highlighting the lack of quality in universities, the governor highlighted a number of concerns plaguing these institutions across the state.

“The quality is not according to the needs of time, funding is not sufficient and there is a large scarcity of staff,” said Bhardwaj.

He cited the plight of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and Davangere University to explain the apathy of authorities. “These universities have been without VCs for the past six months. I have repeatedly told the government to form a committee for the appointments. However, nothing has been done till today,” he said.

Expressing his displeasure over the move to bifurcate universities, Bhardwaj said: “Bifurcation is not good for the quality and standard of universities. They need financial support and autonomy.”

On the recent controversy of appointing government nominees to the syndicates of universities, the Governor said “they are not places meant for politicians but for academicians.”