The Kerala government has introduced a Bill in the Assembly seeking to amend the 2021 law governing the state’s digital university, aiming to bring the process of appointing vice-chancellors in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
Law minister P Rajeeve presented the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on behalf of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The proposed changes mainly deal with the composition of the search-cum-selection committee and the age limit for the post of vice-chancellor.
Rajeeve explained that the amendment was meant to ensure the appointment of vice-chancellors follows UGC norms. The state law, he said, clearly defines how the search and selection committee should be formed, keeping in line with national guidelines.
Citing a recent Supreme Court verdict, Rajeeve said the apex court had affirmed the state government’s authority in appointing university vice-chancellors. The court had specifically empowered the higher education department to oversee selections for technical and digital universities.
The amendment outlines that the chancellor will appoint the vice-chancellor based on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee constituted by the government. The committee must be formed at least three months before the vacancy arises and should prepare a panel of three names within two months of its formation.
From this panel, the chancellor is to select one person for the post. The vice-chancellor’s term will last four years or until they turn seventy, whichever comes first.
The bill was referred to the subject committee after a noisy opposition protest in the House. Critics questioned whether the amendment might centralise power further under the government, while supporters argued it simply aligns state law with national norms and judicial directions.
The outcome now depends on how the committee evaluates the finer points of the amendment — and whether the debate over who truly controls university appointments in Kerala will calm down or flare up again in the next session.