Higher Education Council Bill: Academicians oppose ‘absolute power’ to Gujarat govt

The experts said that the Bill would affect the quality of education if power was taken away from the university chancellors who are academic experts.

A discussion on the decision of the Gujarat government to pass a Bill to form a new statutory body called the State Higher Education Council saw over a 100 academicians unanimously opposing the absolute power granted to the state government in matters of higher education. The discussion, held at a local Vadodara school, saw H C Dholakia, Professor of Gujarat National Law University and a member of the drafting committee of the bill, joining the chorus against the “detrimental” Section 15 of the proposed Bill. He was joined by teachers of private schools and principals from several district schools.

The experts said that the Bill would affect the quality of education if power was taken away from the university chancellors who are academic experts.

[related-post]

Congress Gujarat General Secretary Narendra Ravat, who was also part of the meeting, termed the move as BJP’s ploy to “saffronise” the university. Ravat, who is part of the Congress agitation called “Abhivyakti ni Azadi” for MSU, said, “There was not a single voice in the meeting that spoke in favour of the Bill. Anyone who is associated with education would know that wresting complete control of a university with the government is suicidal. Our agitation will intensify against this saffronisation.” Ravat said that the party will hold a protest demonstration on April 30, the day the MSU was instituted.

Story continues below this ad

Activist Tapan Dasgupta, who was also part of the meeting, said, “Most of us, including H C Dholakia, agreed that the Section 15, which allows complete power to the government, should be scrapped.”

WATCH INDIAN EXPRESS VIDEOS HERE

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Narendra Ravat

Loading Taboola...

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

‘Did Nazis ask Jews to leave?’: Netanyahu defies genocide allegations against Israel

World18 min ago

Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in Gaza, blaming Hamas for using civilians as shields. He criticizes world leaders for appeasing evil and condemns their condemnation of Israel. He addresses recent attacks by Hamas and vows to bring all hostages home. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, according to Hamas-run authorities.

View all shorts

Live Blog