Favouring greater autonomy for health universities, Governor H R Bhardwaj called for peer managed universities. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Third Conclave of Vice-Chancellors here on Monday, the governor observed that the Medical Council was not functioning properly. 

“There is a struggle for control of medical colleges by vested interests,” he said, adding that the council was “not consistent with the intention of the noble medical profession.” 

The restriction on freedom of health universities was an “unhealthy practice,” he said, commenting on the control of government, the medical council and the ministers in this regard. 

He encouraged the body of vice chancellors to “break free from the management of the Medical Council.” 

With respect to healthcare, it had to be made less expensive and affordable to poorest sections of society, H R Bhardwaj said. 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines about the Karnataka State Open University controversy,  he said, “I cannot comment on individual universities. The VC is coming to see me. I will discuss with him.” 

In case of recent Bangalore University cash-for-marks-scam, he stated that the VC was capable of handling it and was doing hard work. 

Further, he added that after appointment of VC ,it was not possible for him to manage universities. “It is the job of their syndicate and VCs to look after themselves. The Chancellor’s intervention at every stage is not provided in the Act.”

Mangalore University VC’s appointment too would be completed soon. It was with the higher education department, he said. “I have not received any papers from the government for the last one month owing to elections. Once the recommendations come, I will pass orders,” he added.