Punjab Assembly passes Bill to remove Governor as universities’ head, file goes to him

Mann said that “No interference of the Governor is required in the day to day functioning of the affairs of the state.”

Mann minced no words to hit out at Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, even daring him to contest elections, while saying that “the role of the Governor was limited to administering oath to the CM and the council of the ministers.” (Express Photo)

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed Punjab University Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023, which after being enacted as an Act would vest the powers of Chancellors of state universities with the Chief Minister. The Bill would be enacted if the Governor to whom it will be sent as a part of laid down procedure gives his assent.

Mann minced no words to hit out at Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, even daring him to contest elections, while saying that “the role of the Governor was limited to administering oath to the CM and the council of the ministers.” Summarising the debate on the floor of the house, the CM said, “The state has its own rich culture, traditions and heritage which need to be perpetuated amongst the younger generations.”

He said that “for this the educational institutions especially the universities can play a pivotal role.” Mann recalled “how the universities of the state have produced great intellectuals, artists and other eminent people in various fields.” The CM said that “to carry forward this legacy, men of high integrity, prudence and repute need to be appointed in the universities of the state as Vice-Chancellors”.

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However, he bemoaned that “The Governor, who is not from the state and is not aware of its history and culture, creates unnecessary hurdles in it.” Mann said that “It is surprising that the Governor knows nothing about the state but is empowered to appoint the V-Cs which is totally unfair.” The CM said that “contrary to securing the interests of the state, the Punjab Governor is often seen on the other side.” Citing the issue of Panjab University, he said that “instead of safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis, the Governor had been taking the stance in favour of Haryana to allow its entry in the senate of university.” Mann said that “This is a very strange situation as the Governor just to appease his political masters sitting in Delhi is doing all these gimmicks.” The Chief Minister said that “It is brazen disrespect of the verdict of people that has elected the state government to work for their well being.”

He said that “On lines of the bill already passed by West Bengal, the Punjab government has formulated this bill which will entrust the powers of chancellor of the universities with the Chief Minister.” He added that “With the formation of this Act the Chief Minister, and not the Governor, will be the chancellor of the universities of the state.”