Background of the Bill
University of Madras Amendment Bill: The University of Madras Amendment Bill was passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in April 2022. After passage, it was sent for approval and subsequently returned without Presidential assent. This development has brought renewed attention to governance issues in state universities.
The Bill specifically focused on changing the authority responsible for appointing the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University. It reflected a broader trend in Tamil Nadu of seeking greater state control over public universities.
Proposed Changes in the Law
The Bill proposed amendments to the Madras University Act, 1923. Its key change was replacing the word “Chancellor” with “Government” in Section 11 of the Act. This would have effectively shifted the VC appointment power.
Under the existing framework, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, acting as the ex officio Chancellor, holds the authority to appoint the Vice-Chancellor. The amendment aimed to transfer this power directly to the State Government.
Static GK fact: The University of Madras, established in 1857, is one of the oldest universities in India, founded during British rule.
Reason for Reserving the Bill
The Bill was reserved for Presidential consideration due to concerns that it might conflict with UGC regulations. The University Grants Commission (UGC) prescribes norms for VC appointments to maintain uniform academic standards across India.
UGC regulations generally emphasize the role of autonomous selection committees and limited executive interference. Any deviation by a state law can invite constitutional scrutiny under the Concurrent List.
Static GK Tip: Education falls under the Concurrent List (List III) of the Indian Constitution, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to make laws.
Return Without Presidential Assent
The Bill was returned without assent, effectively halting its implementation. When a Bill is returned, it indicates unresolved constitutional or legal concerns rather than outright rejection.
As per constitutional procedure, the Tamil Nadu Assembly must now reconsider the legislation. It may choose to amend the Bill, drop it, or pass it again for reconsideration.
Constitutional and Federal Implications
This episode highlights ongoing tensions in State–Centre relations, especially in higher education governance. The role of the Governor as Chancellor has become a sensitive issue in several states.
The case also reinforces the importance of harmonizing state laws with central regulatory bodies like the UGC to avoid legal and constitutional conflicts.
Static GK fact: The Governor’s powers are derived from Articles 153–162 of the Indian Constitution, and their role in universities is defined by state legislation.
Way Forward
Reconsideration of the Bill gives the State Legislature an opportunity to align its objectives with constitutional limits. Any revised proposal must carefully balance state autonomy, academic freedom, and regulatory compliance.
The outcome will likely influence future legislative efforts related to university governance in Tamil Nadu and other states.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
University of Madras Amendment Bill:
| Topic | Detail |
| Bill name | University of Madras Amendment Bill |
| Year passed by Assembly | 2022 |
| Key amendment proposed | Transfer of VC appointment power to State Government |
| Existing authority | Governor as ex officio Chancellor |
| Legal provision amended | Section 11 of Madras University Act, 1923 |
| Reason for reservation | Possible conflict with UGC regulations |
| Current status | Returned without Presidential assent |
| Next step | Reconsideration by Tamil Nadu Assembly |
