The state legislative assembly on Tuesday cleared theMaharashtra Public Universities(Third Amendment) Act, 2021, which proposes to appoint the minister of higher and technical Education as pro-chancellor and introduces changes in the process for vice-chancellor appointment.
As per the amendment, the selection committee will recommend five names for the post of vice-chancellor of which the will shortlist two and send them to the governor, who is also the chancellor of universities. The governor has to select one of the two names within 30 days. If the state does not approve any of the persons recommended, it may call for a fresh list either from the same committee or after constitution of a new one. Similarly, three names will be shortlisted by the state for the post of pro-chancellor and will be sent to the governor for his selection.
The bill gives wide-ranging powers to the pro chancellor, from chairing the varsityssenateto presiding over the convocation ceremony in the chancellors absence. It also empowers the state to nominate members on thesenate management council. The bill makes way for constitution of the board of preservation and promotion of Marathi language and literature and the board of equal opportunity. A post of the director for the board of preservation and promotion of Marathi language and literature will also be created.