Rumble in the University: Governor vs Government

Ever since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, the LDF Government in Kerala and the Governor have been on a collision course. The Governor realised that the Chancellor post held more powers than was originally thought. It was former governor Arif Mohammad Khan who drew blood first. He seized the power to appoint vice chancellors. The state government countered with two Bills. One to expand the composition of the VC search-cum-selection committee, and thus reclaim  the upper hand in VC selection. The other to strip the governor of his chancellor duties. Both were refused presidential assent. In this ongoing battle, the universities have suffered. 12 of the 13 universities in Kerala have no regular VCs.