The State Legislative Council on Wednesday unanimously passed the Karnataka State Universities (Second Amendment) Bill, 2013, aimed at overhauling the working of universities as well as making them centres of knowledge.
Piloting the Bill during Zero Hour, Higher Education Minister C T Ravi informed the House that it was considered necessary to amend the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 for entrusting more power to the pro-chancellor; transparent selection of vice chancellor; representation of the principal secretary to government, in-charge of department of higher education or his nominee as the member of the syndicate; and ensuring inter-varsity transfer of employees for better management of varsity.
As per the Bill, he said, the government has fixed a time limit of three months to conduct inquiry against any staff or VC in case of complaints and the government would also have to decide on its action within 30 days.
To make the selection of VC more transparent, Ravi said interested candidates may apply along with document on his/her vision to develop the varsity. After scrutiny, the same would be forwarded to the search committee. The committee would then recommend a suitable candidate to the chancellor.
He said as per the Bill, no person from the same university would be considered for VC if he/she cannot bring discipline among staff. If the post was vacant, the senior most professor in the university should be appointed in-charge VC for a period not exceeding a month or till arrangements are made by the chancellor. Ravi said henceforth, preference would be given to senior KAS, IAS or IFS officer for the post of registrar (administration) instead of appointing a professor. However, a professor would be considered if the government fails to get a officer to fill up the post.
Establishment Board
Ravi said the Bill envisages creation of Universities Establishment Board to effect inter-university transfer of employees. The board would function with due consultation with the government.
Pooling of subject
The government was contemplating pooling of students if their number in a PG department of a university was less than 10 for two consecutive years. Such departments would be closed and students and faculty would be transferred to any other university in the state.