Tamil Nadu Governor's latest announcement regarding constituting search-cum-selection committees for three universities in the state for picking Vice-Chancellor has become a new tiff between the Governor and the state government. While Governor RN Ravi made the statement, the state government alleged that the Governor had made a "unilateral" decision so he would be charged legally.
On Wednesday, Raj Bhavan said Governor RN Ravi, the Chancellor of Madras University, Bharathiar University and Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University issued different notifications forming Search-cum-Selection Committees for the section of Vice-Chancellors for the respective institutions.
"The Search-cum-Selection Committee will recommend panel of three names to Chancellors of Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, University of Madras and Bharathiar University for the appointment of Vice-Chancellor of the University," the official communique which was released in three parts said.
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However, the decision of the Governor was immediately opposed by the government.
In a release, Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy as per PTI said, "Under rules governing the state universities, there was no provision for the Governor to constitute such search committees. No Governor has unilaterally announced a search committee, there are no provisions in the rules."
"Government orders are issued on such committees under the relevant rules regarding the particular varsity and later published in the government gazette. But the Governor (Ravi) has issued a notification after taking a unilateral decision...this is against the practice and regulations," he said.
Tamil Nadu government and Governor have openly criticised each other over various issues including NEET and MLA Senthil Balaji continuing as Minister without portfolio in Tamil Nadu cabinet.