New Delhi/Kolkata: President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the West Bengal government’s bills seeking to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of state-run universities, marking a major setback for the Trinamool Congress-led administration.
The bills, passed by the West Bengal Assembly earlier, aimed to amend existing laws governing state universities by transferring the role of Chancellor from the Governor to the Chief Minister. The state government had argued that the move was necessary to reduce alleged political interference and ensure smoother administration of higher education institutions.
However, after detailed examination, the President withheld assent to the proposed legislation. Official sources indicated that constitutional concerns and the established role of the Governor as Chancellor in state universities were key factors behind the decision.
The rejection is expected to intensify the ongoing tussle between the West Bengal government and Raj Bhavan over control of universities, particularly appointments of vice-chancellors and administrative authority. The issue has previously led to prolonged standoffs and legal challenges.
Reacting to the development, the state government expressed disappointment and is likely to explore legal or legislative options, while opposition parties welcomed the decision, calling it a safeguard against politicisation of higher education.
With the President’s decision final, the existing system—where the Governor continues as Chancellor of state universities—will remain in force in West Bengal.