Discussions ongoing between government and Governor regarding appointment of vice-chancellors in state universities

The government is in constant contact with the Governor to resolve disputes and reach a consensus regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors in the state's government universities, according to reports citing Higher Education Minister P. Viswanath. As per a report by The Hindu, although the issue of appointing vice-chancellors is currently entangled in a legal battle, the government is continuously communicating with the Governor to remove differences and reach a common understanding.

Speaking to journalists during the National Education and Urdu Day celebrations organised by the Tamil Nadu Urdu Academy at Madras University, Minister Viswanath stated that not only him, but the School Education Minister and the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly have also met the Governor to discuss the appointment of vice-chancellors in state-run universities. He further added that just last week, School Education Minister Rajmohan, the Hon'ble Speaker, and himself met the Governor. Consultations are currently underway and consensus is being reached on certain agreements. He assured that he would be able to speak openly once matters take a final shape and that he would meet the Governor again in a week.

To address the issue of appointing vice-chancellors, senior professors have been appointed as acting vice-chancellors in Alagappa, Annamalai, and Manonmaniam Sundaranar universities as an interim arrangement. The Minister stated that the Chancellor, Chief Minister, and Pro-Chancellor all wish to resolve this issue at the earliest.

Speaking about the first six months of the current government, the Minister stated that his department has taken steps to resolve long-pending issues, such as the extension of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for teachers in government-aided colleges. He noted that teachers had held protests at least 52 times regarding this matter in the last five years. Additionally, the government has increased the honorarium of guest lecturers by ₹5,000 and has also announced the implementation of a free laptop scheme for college students at a cost of ₹2,000 crore.

During the programme, the Minister presented awards and prizes to 23 teachers who have served in Urdu medium schools for up to 30 years, 10 Urdu poets and writers, as well as 627 students from 19 colleges and 39 schools who had won various competitions such as essay writing, elocution, and poetry. He also assured that the demand for a training centre for Urdu teachers would be presented to the Chief Minister. Present on the occasion were Tamil Nadu Waqf Board Chairman and MP K. Navas Kanai, former MLA and IUML State General Secretary K.A.M. Mohammed Abu Bakar, Madras University Registrar Rita John, and Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee member S. Armstrong.

In Tamil Nadu, the Higher Education Department has been working to maintain the administration and academic standards of various universities in the state. This department works to formulate various policies to improve the administrative and academic framework of colleges and universities.