Government’s proposal to increase representation in Central Universities faces opposition

The Central Government’s proposal to increase its representation in the Executive Councils (EC) of Central Universities has met with significant resistance. The Ministry of Education recently reviewed the governance structure of these institutions and noted a disparity in representation, with only 20 out of 48 Central Universities at present including a Ministry representative in their ECs.

To standardise governance, the ministry has suggested that the Secretary (Higher Education) or their nominee be included as a member of each university’s Executive Council. However, this move has raised concerns about the autonomy of the universities.

Aman Kumar, a member of the Executive Council of Delhi University and representative of the INTEC group, voiced strong opposition to the proposal. “The addition of a representative from the Ministry of Education in the Executive Council is unacceptable,” he stated. “This would increase government interference in the day-to-day decision-making of the university and adversely affect the concept of autonomy.”

Kumar emphasised that the existing representatives of the Visitor and Chancellor in the Executive Council are sufficient to oversee university governance. “We already have mechanisms in place to ensure effective oversight without compromising our independence,” he added.

Kumar also addressed another pressing issue faced by the Delhi University. He urged the university administration not to extend the lease of land for the Maurice Nagar police station, which is currently leased at a nominal rate of Re 1 per month.

“We need to create new facilities, including hostels for students and staff quarters, as there is a scarcity of housing facilities on the campus.” Kumar highlighted the difficulties faced by students who are forced to rent accommodations off-campus, often at exorbitant prices, without access to essential amenities like mess facilities.

The Executive Council is scheduled to meet on Monday, where these critical issues will be discussed further. As the debate around governance and infrastructure continues, the future of Central Universities hangs in the balance.