President Returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill Without Assent, Impacting University Administration

President returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill without assent, sending it back to the Tamil Nadu Assembly for reconsideration and reopening a long-standing debate over control of higher education institutions in the state. The decision concerns the amendment related to the University of Madras, one of India’s oldest universities, and has significant implications for how vice chancellors are appointed.

The bill, passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in April 2022, aimed to give the state government the authority to appoint and remove the vice chancellor of the University of Madras. At present, this power rests with the Governor, who functions as the ex-officio chancellor of the university. The proposed amendment sought to replace the term “chancellor” with “government” in the existing law, effectively transferring control.

The legislation was sent for presidential assent after passage in the Assembly. However, the President has now returned the bill, asking the state legislature to reconsider it. This move has drawn attention to the ongoing tension between the state government and the Governor over the administration of universities.

The University of Madras, established over 160 years ago, has been functioning without a regular vice chancellor for more than two years. Its daily affairs are being managed by a temporary arrangement, highlighting the administrative challenges faced by several higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu.

President Returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill Without Assent Amid Legal and Regulatory Concerns

The decision to return the bill is linked to concerns raised earlier about its compatibility with national regulations. The Governor had reserved the bill for presidential consideration, citing possible conflict with University Grants Commission guidelines and established norms governing vice chancellor appointments across the country.

According to existing practices, the role of the chancellor is designed to maintain a degree of autonomy and neutrality in university administration. Critics of the amendment argue that allowing direct government control over vice chancellor appointments could affect academic independence and institutional balance.

Supporters of the bill, however, believe the state should have greater authority over public universities, especially when prolonged vacancies disrupt academic and administrative functioning. They argue that delays in appointments have negatively affected students, faculty, and overall governance.

The return of the bill does not mean it has been rejected permanently. The Tamil Nadu Assembly can reconsider the proposed changes and decide whether to pass the bill again, with or without modifications. Once reconsidered and passed, it can be sent again for presidential assent.

This development has broader implications beyond the University of Madras. Out of 22 state universities in Tamil Nadu, around 14 are currently functioning without permanent vice chancellors. Many are being run by convenor committees, which are meant to be temporary arrangements but have continued for extended periods.

The absence of full-time leadership has raised concerns about decision-making delays, academic planning, and long-term development of institutions. Faculty members and students have repeatedly pointed out the need for stable administration to ensure smooth functioning.

President Returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill Without Assent, Affecting Multiple State Universities

The issue also reflects a larger national discussion on the balance of power between state governments, governors, and central regulatory bodies in higher education. Similar debates have surfaced in other states, where disagreements over appointments and administrative authority have led to legal and political disputes.

Education experts note that while regulatory standards are important for maintaining quality, prolonged institutional uncertainty can harm academic growth. They stress the need for clear frameworks that respect both autonomy and accountability.

The Tamil Nadu government is now expected to examine the reasons behind the President’s decision and decide its next course of action. Possible steps include making changes to align the bill with existing regulations or holding further discussions to resolve differences.

Students and academic communities are closely watching the developments, as the outcome will shape the future governance of universities across the state. The return of the bill has once again highlighted the urgency of resolving leadership gaps in higher education institutions. Also Read: President returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill without assent

Conclusion

President returns Tamil Nadu University Amendment Bill without assent has brought renewed focus on university governance and the need for timely appointments. As the Assembly prepares to reconsider the legislation, the decision ahead will play a key role in shaping the administration and autonomy of Tamil Nadu’s universities.