Punjab CM Pushes for Elected Leadership in University Chancellor Role

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann argued that state-run universities should have chancellors who are elected chief ministers rather than selected by the governor. This statement came after the President returned a bill seeking to replace the state governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of these universities without her assent.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday advocated for chancellors of state-run universities to be an ''elected chief minister'' instead of a ''selected'' official, sending a clear message to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Mann criticized the governor's practice of sending bills to the President, who then returns them months later without assent. His remarks follow the President's return of a bill aiming to make the chief minister the chancellor of state universities.

The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between Mann and Purohit, especially concerning the appointment of university vice-chancellors. The Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to replace the governor with the chief minister as chancellor, was among several bills the state legislature passed but were sent back by the President. Mann emphasized that the bill is a democratic necessity and underlined its significance for the culture of Punjab's educational institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)