Tue Dec 30 17:39:29 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a brief summary:
Summary:
The President of India has withheld assent from the Chennai University Amendment Bill of 2022, which sought to give the Tamil Nadu state government greater control over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. The bill aimed to replace “Chancellor” with “Government” in the relevant section of the Madras University Act. The Tamil Nadu government, after a year’s delay by the Governor in forwarding the bill, is now considering its options. The Higher Education Minister has condemned the Governor’s actions and asserted the state’s right to appoint Vice-Chancellors. Legal options appear limited, and the state might consider drafting a new Act. The Congress party in Tamil Nadu has criticized the President’s decision as a blow to cooperative federalism.
News Article:
President Rejects Tamil Nadu’s University Bill, Stalling State Control Over Vice-Chancellor Appointments
Chennai, December 30, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu government is reassessing its strategy after President Draupadi Murmu withheld assent from the Chennai University Amendment Bill, 2022. The Bill aimed to grant the state government greater authority in appointing Vice-Chancellors by replacing the term “Chancellor” with “Government” in the Madras University Act of 1923.
The President’s decision, communicated without stated reasons, has thrown a wrench into the state’s efforts to exert more control over higher education. Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan told The Hindu that the government is weighing its options, with the final decision to be made by the Chief Minister. He emphasized the state’s belief that the appointment of Vice-Chancellors should be a state prerogative, citing similar practices in Gujarat and Telangana.
Dr. Chezhiaan strongly criticized Governor R.N. Ravi for delaying the forwarding of the Bill for over a year, accusing him of “partisan behavior” and stating he was “not fit to hold the post” for reserving the Bill for the President’s consideration. The Governor had argued that the Bill contravened UGC regulations and established norms.
Sources within the government suggest that available options are limited, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the powers of the President and Governors regarding assent to bills. One possibility under consideration is drafting a fresh Act with new provisions.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) has condemned the President’s decision. TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai called the decision a setback for cooperative federalism. He noted that other states, like Gujarat and Telangana, already have the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors. He has urged the Chief Minister to explore further legal action.
The standoff leaves the future of Vice-Chancellor appointments in Tamil Nadu uncertain and raises questions about the balance of power between the state and the central government in matters of higher education.
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