Bengaluru: In a move, which is expected to curtail the autonomy of the state universities, Karnataka government has moved Karnataka State Universities Act amendment bill 2017 in the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature. If these amendments are approved, universities will not only lose most of their powers but will also pave way for the appointment of IAS/ senior KAS officers for the post of registrars (administration and examination).
The highlight of this amendment bill is that it will make way for the appointment of IAS/ senior KAS officers for key administrative posts of the state universities. Adding to this, the state government will get powers to nominate two members for the new Vice Chancellor (VC) search committee.
Centralized recruitment cell
Another interesting proposal made through this amendment bill is that once it is approved, universities will lose their appointment powers. Instead, a centralized committee set up by the state government will carry out all the appointments.
Innovative appointment proposal
The state government has incorporated another innovative proposal in this amendment bill on the appointment of teaching faculty. As per the proposal, this centralized recruitment committee must upload the teaching demo of all the candidates on its website for public view and scoring. “Candidates must give a demo at the time of interview, which will be video recorded and published online,” reads amendment bill.
No powers to call tenders
Other proposals include cancellation of financial powers of the VCs, recruitment of new VCs two months before the retirement of incumbent VC, merger of all university acts including VTU act, RGUHS act etc.
