Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla: Govt wants me to appoint V-C of its choice but I can’t violate rules

Shiv Pratap Shukla hits out at minister Chander Kumar and comments on frequent bypolls in Himachal Pradesh.

4 min readShimlaJun 27, 2024 07:16 PM IST

The Governor is also the chancellor of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University and Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and the statutory head of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry at Nauni in Solan. (Express Photo)

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday criticised Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar for accusing Raj Bhavan of delaying a Bill related to the appointment of university vice-chancellors. He also commented on the frequent bypolls in the state.

“The state government wants me to appoint the person of its choice to the post of vice-chancellor. I will not go against the rules and regulations. I want to clarify that the Bill is not pending with Raj Bhavan. It was sent back to the state government seeking more clarifications. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar should comment after verifying the facts. I am also concerned with the day-to-day functioning of CSK Agriculture University, Palampur. I know that scholars’ studies are being affected in the absence of the vice-chancellor, but I can’t go against the rules,” Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla told reporters at Raj Bhavan.

The Governor added, “The state government claims that because it funds the universities, such as CSK Agriculture University, Palampur, and Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, their vice-chancellors should be of the choice of the government, instead of the chancellor, who is the Governor of the state. The appointment of vice-chancellors through a committee constituted by the chancellor-cum-Governor of the state is according to the rules. How can I go against the rules?”

When asked if the matter was so important that the Governor needed to call a press conference, Shukla responded, “The state agriculture minister, Chander Kumar, was issuing statements in the media and raising questions about the Raj Bhavan. I concluded that I should clarify the situation before the media.”

Also Read | Experts raise concern of scab, leafminer in Himachal’s apple orchards

In September 2023, the Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (Amendment) Bill 2023, enabling the government to appoint vice-chancellors to these universities. BJP legislators opposed the Bill, accusing the Government of ending the autonomy of the institutions.

When contacted, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar, who is a Congress MLA, said, “I met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan urging him to approve the amended Bill. He told me that he had sent the Bill back to the state government with some queries. I told him that the government had cleared the queries and sent it back to the Raj Bhavan. In the meantime, the Governor sent the Bill back to the government, suggesting that it seek legal opinion on the Bill. The government has obtained the legal opinion and will issue a letter to the Raj Bhavan pertaining to the positive legal opinion on the Bill.”

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Law and order and bypolls

Commenting on the bypolls in the state, Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “It is upon the public to decide on this matter. Indeed, it is not good for the state, but the Governor cannot make a comment on the procedure.”

Replying to a query on the Opposition’s demand that the Governor intervene in the law and order situation given the repeated incidents of violence, Shukla said, “The law and order situation in the state is not the worst. But as Himachal Pradesh is a peace-loving state and Dev Bhoomi, rare incidents also make headlines. Government should look into these matters.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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