Himachal Assembly Passes Bill on Vice Chancellor Appointments, Withdraws 2024 Amendment

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday passed the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestry University (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in its original form, paving the way for Vice Chancellors of the state’s two agricultural universities to be appointed by the Chancellor on the aid and advice of the state government. Alongside, the 2024 Amendment Bill—earlier returned by the Governor with suggestions—was formally withdrawn.

Background of the Bill

In September 2023, the Assembly passed the Amendment Bill making state government advice mandatory in the appointment of Vice Chancellors. However, the Governor returned it, raising objections. The government then introduced the 2024 Amendment Bill on September 4, 2024, and sent it to the Governor on October 19, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Governor informed that the 2023 Bill had already been reserved for the President’s consideration via the Union Home Ministry in July 2024. Given this, the state government decided not to move ahead with the 2024 version and formally withdrew it on July 29, 2025.

Change in Appointment Process

• Earlier (1986 Act): Vice Chancellors were appointed by the Chancellor based on recommendations from a selection committee comprising nominees of the Chancellor, ICAR, and UGC.

• After 2023 Amendment: Vice Chancellors will still be appointed by the Chancellor (Governor) but only on the aid and advice of the state government.

Agriculture Minister’s Proposal Rejected

Agriculture Minister Chandra Kumar proposed aligning the Act with the Model ICAR Act by strengthening the Governor’s role through amendments to Section 4(1) and insertion of Section 4(3). However, with the Opposition absent, the proposal could not pass, leaving the 2023 Amendment Bill intact in its original form.

Ongoing Conflict Between Government and Governor

The appointment of Vice Chancellors has sparked tension between the Raj Bhavan and the state government:

• On July 21, Raj Bhavan advertised vacancies for Vice Chancellor positions at CSK Agriculture University, Palampur and Dr. YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University.

• On August 12, the state government canceled the advertisement and declared the process invalid.

• On August 13, Raj Bhavan reinstated the earlier advertisement and extended the application deadline to August 18, 5 PM.

High Court Intervention

On August 14, the Himachal Pradesh High Court stepped in and ordered a stay on the advertisement issued by Raj Bhavan, adding a new legal twist to the ongoing tussle between the Governor and the state government.