Himachal Government Reclaims Power Over University Leadership Appointments

In a significant move that reshapes the governance of higher education in Himachal Pradesh, the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday re-passed the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry University Amendment Bill, 2023. This decision grants the state government direct authority to appoint Vice Chancellors at two key universities—Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur.

The bill had previously been returned by the Governor with suggested changes. However, the government chose to withdraw and reintroduce it in its original form, passing it without any amendments. According to constitutional rules, once a bill is passed again by the Assembly, the Governor is required to give assent—making this a decisive step forward for the state cabinet.

This amendment marks the culmination of a year-long standoff between the state government and Raj Bhavan over who should hold the reins in university appointments. By shifting this power from the Governor to the government, the bill aims to streamline decision-making and bring university leadership more in line with the state’s educational vision.

Interestingly, the bill was passed in the absence of opposition members, leaving no room for debate during the session.

With this move, the Himachal Pradesh government has taken a firm step toward asserting its role in shaping the future of higher education in the state.